Direct multiquantum relaxation of highly vibrationally excited NO in collisions with O/Cu(111)

Abstract

We present a new experimental approach to the study of vibrational relaxation of highly vibrationally excited molecules at solid surfaces. We observe NO in v=13 and 15 losing up to five vibrational quanta in collisions with an O-covered copper surface. The data indicate this vibrational relaxation occurs via a direct scattering mechanism.