Vibrationally inelastic scattering of HCl from Ag(111)

Using molecular beam cooled samples and quantum state-selective detection, we observe v = 0 → 1 vibrational transitions when HCl (v = 0) collides with an Ag(111) surface and derive both the incidence energy and surface temperature dependence of the transition probability. Our observations reveal that both electronically adiabatic and non-adiabatic mechanisms are at play in this inelastic process. A comparison to other systems shows similarities and trends that are consistent with an electron transfer mechanism forming a transient HCl^-. For example, the electronically nonadiabatic coupling is stronger than for HCl scattering from Au, where the solid's work function is higher. HCl differs from other systems in that dissociation is possible over a low barrier. Vibrationally inelastic v = 1 → 2 transitions could not be seen when HCl (v = 1) collides with an Ag(111) surface. We suggest that scattering events, where HCl (v = 1) is subject to dynamical influences that increase its vibrational energy, lead efficiently to dissociation before the HCl (v = 2) molecule can escape the surface. This system appears to be an excellent candidate to study electronically nonadiabatic effects in dissociative adsorption.