Interaction of atomic species with surface adsorbates

A number of modern technologies are based on the interaction of atomic species rather than molecules with surfaces. In particular, atomic hydrogen is involved in chemical processes like silicon etching and growth or synthetic diamond production. In this project the interaction of atomic hydrogen with electronegative coadsorbates (oxygen, sulfur, carbon) and electropositive coadsorbates (potassium) on metal surfaces will be inivestigated. We focus on the kinetics and dynamics of the reaction process. Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood reactions will be investigated. The results should be of technological relevance since they may allow to improve the procedures applied in surface etching, surface cleaning and surface modification by atomic species.