Heterogeneous relaxation of molecule vibrational energy on metals

A mechanism of heterogeneous relaxation of a molecule vibrational energy on metal via conduction electrons is proposed. The probability of vibrational transition W of a molecule adsorbed on metal surface is calculated. The not very sharp dependence of W on the distance between the molecule and the metal surface, on metal parameters and on the molecular vibrational quantum provides a satisfactory explanation of the experimental data available.