Sn. Atutov et al., Light-induced diffusion and desorption of alkali metals in a siloxane film: Theory and experiment, PHYS REV A, 60(6), 1999, pp. 4693-4700
The light-induced desorption and diffusion of alkali-metal atoms in organic
films are interesting fields of investigation. An impressive demonstration
is given by the recently observed light-induced atomic desorption (LIAD) e
ffect, where a huge alkali-metal atom desorption from siloxane films, previ
ously exposed to atomic vapors, is induced by weak and nonresonant light. I
n this paper, experimental data and a one-dimensional theoretical model of
the effect are presented. The model gives a good description of the vapor d
ensity dynamics by taking into account both the atomic diffusion inside the
coating and the surface desorption. General equations are reported and dis
cussed within the limits of experimental interest. The potential barrier at
the vapor-surface interface and the activation energy for Rb in (poly)dime
thylsiloxane have been determined. [S1050-2947(99)01512-7].