SF6 scattering from graphite surfaces: Comparison of effects induced by thermal and laser controlled vibrational excitation

We report scattering experiments of multiphoton vibrationally excited SF6 m olecules from graphite surfaces demonstrating ro-vibrational excitation in the collision. The beam scattering experiments were carried out at differen t initial kinematic conditions and as a function of the surface temperature . The energy transfer depends both on the initial state of the molecule and on the momentum transferred as well as on the temperature of the surface. The role of surface atomic corrugation is evidenced. (C) 1999 Optical Socie ty of America.