COMPETITION BETWEEN ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR DESORPTION

The kinetics of atomic and molecular desorption from an atomic adsorba te are formulated using a lattice gas model. Systems are examined wher e both desorption channels are significant. We study the effects of th e molecular binding energy and lateral interactions in the adsorbate o n the competition. As examples, we model Te and S on W(100). Criteria are formulated for the competition and additional systems are discusse d in this context. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.