Quantum dynamics of laser- and field-induced desorption of molecules from metal surfaces

The desorption of adspecies from surfaces by laser radiation or static elec tric fields is an important subject for the microstructuring of materials a nd a challenge to theory: Not only the excitation mechanism, but also the s ubsequent, ultrafast dynamics in a dissipative environment, needs to be pro perly described. After a brief review on previous work, in this work a few new issues concerning the laser- or field-induced desorption of molecules f rom metal surfaces [NO from Pt(lll), and NH3 from Cu(lll)] will be addresse d with the help of open-system density matrix theory and wave packet propag ation methods. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.