Dynamics of NO molecular-beam scattering from a Ge surface

Translational and rotational energy distributions of NO molecules scattered from an oxidized Ge surface were determined by means of laser two-photon ionization and time-of-flight techniques. Trapping-desorption and direct inelastic-scattering channels are clearly separated in state-resolved measurements: The former shows a mean kinetic energy Ef,J corresponding to the surface temperature, while the latter exhibits "rainbow" features and a Ef,J which is, for high-J states, much larger than expected from pure translational to rotational energy conversion. © 1986 The American Physical Society.