Scattering of the Rare Gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) from Platinum (111) Surfaces

Abstract

The scattering of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe from Pt (111) surfaces characterized by LEED has been measured for surface temperatures between 100°C and 500°C using effusive thermal energy beams of 23°C and 700°C. The LEED and helium scattering indicate that the surfaces are geometrically smooth, regular, and free from low molecular weight contaminants. Results are in qualitative agreement with some of the predictions of the “cube” scattering theories but at variance with the effect of incident angle and surface mass. Data agree qualitatively in these respects with the finite range interaction (FRI) models. Approximate mass balances between the total scattered flux and the incident flux permit estimates of the initial trapping probabilities. No diffraction of He was observed.