Mechanisms of metastable N2 and Kr electron stimulated desorption from N2---Kr double layer and mixed films

Desorption of metastable particles from layered and mixed films, composed of N₂ and Kr, is induced by the impact of 6–50 eV monoenergetic electrons. From yield functions and time-of-flight analysis of the metastable particles emanating from these films, N*₂ and Kr* are identified as the desorbing species. Basic mechanisms responsible for their desorption are discussed. It is suggested that the desorption of Kr* arises from dissociation of transitory [Kr·N₂]* excimers. The desorption of N*₂ can arise from cavity expulsion, intramolecular vibrational energy transfer (with or without prior electronic excitation energy transfer from Kr excitions to N₂) and the dissociation of [Kr·N₂]* excimers.