LASER-INDUCED DESORPTION OF OXYGEN FROM ALPHA-FE2O3(0001) SURFACE

Laser-induced desorption (LID) of oxygen molecules and atoms from sing le-crystal alpha-Fe2O3 (0001) surfaces is investigated by measuring th e time-of-flight (TOF) distribution at different quantum energies (1.1 7, 2.34 and 3.51 eV) and laser fluences. The predominant fast componen t of desorbed particles present in the TOF-distribution vary in the me an kinetic energy over the 0.12 to 0.21 eV range with quantum energy. The fraction of desorbed atomic oxygen increases with quantum energy. The observed experimental regularities are considered as a result of e lectronic excitation in the subsurface region due to light quanta abso rption.