Low-energy 3He+ ion scattering spectroscopy studies of D2 adsorption on W(211)

Direct physical evidence for occupation of a trough site by the β₂ state of deuterium adsorbed on W(211) has been obtained by angle-resolved ³He⁺/D(ads) ion-scattering spectroscopy (ISS) in combination with LEED/Auger. The W(211) surface is composed of close-packed 〈111〉 rows of W atoms separated by a wide channel. Previous thermal desorption studies have shown two clearly resolved hydrogen states: β₁ desorbing with a temperature maximum of ca. 60°C, and β₂ at ca. 400°C. Analyses of flash desorption, work-function, adsorption kinetics, stoichiometry and mixed adsorption further indicated that the more tightly bound β₂ form occupies a deep-trough position. In the present study, ISS polar-angle profiles were taken at an incident energy of 306 eV. With only the β₂ state populated, a ³He⁺ beam parallel to the close-packed 〈111〉 rows was found to scatter from D(ads) with a cutoff angle close to grazing incidence while for the perpendicular direction D(ads) scattering is observed only for angles greater than 18° away from grazing incidence. These measurements are consistent with the corrugated W(211) geometry and with the proposed β₂-D trough-site model.