Wavelength dependence of laser-induced sputtering from the (111) surface of BaF2

Using blue tunable pulse laser radiation of low fluence, we have investigated laser-induced sputtering from cleaved BaF2 (111) surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Time correlated with the laser pulses the positive ions Ba+, Ba++, (BaF)+ and F+ were observed. Practically no negative ions were found. Neutral atomic fluorine (F 0) was desorbed abundantly. A pulse correlation of F 0 as well as the relative amount of F 0 and F+ could not be established at this stage. The emission yield of all positive ions as well as of F 0 was strongly wavelength dependent and showed a broad resonance around 2.9 eV.