Classical-trajectory studies of electron- or photon-stimulated desorption from ionic solids

We present trajectory calculations of electron- or photon-stimulated desorption of positive ions from alkali halides via the ``Coulomb explosion'' mechanism, in which desorption is due to the repulsive forces resulting from formation of a positive halogen ion (F⁺). In many circumstances, the lattice is shown to rearrange within {~}10^-13 s and trap the F⁺ ion, thus blocking desorption. The dynamic lattice distortions are crucial in the determination of which desorption channels are open, which species desorb, and what final kinetic energies are obtained.