Dynamics of Gas-Surface Scattering deals with the dynamics of scattering as inferred from known properties of gases and solids. This book discusses measurements of spatial distributions of scattered atomic and molecular streams, and of the energy and momentum which gas particles exchange at solid surfaces. It also considers two regimes of scattering, both of which are associated with a lower range of incident gas energies: the thermal and structure scattering regimes. Comprised of 10 chapters, this book opens with a brief historical overview of the early experiments that investigated the dynamics of scattering of gases by surfaces. The discussion then turns to some elements of the kinetic theory of gases; intermodular potentials and interaction regimes; and classical-mechanical lattice models used in gas-surface scattering theory. The applications of molecular beams to the study of gas-surface scattering phenomena are also described. The remaining chapters focus on experiments and theories on scattering of molecular streams by surfaces of solids, with emphasis on thermal and structure regimes of inelastic scattering; quantum theory of gas-surface scattering; and quantum mechanical scattering phenomena. This text concludes with an analysis of energy exchange processes that may occur when a solid surface is completely immersed in a still gas. This monograph will be a valuable resource for students and practitioners of physics, chemistry, and applied mathematics.

The present volume gathers a series of selected and updated contributions presented at the International Symposium on Applied Theoretical Chemistry held in Havana, Cuba, July 2-6, 1990. This Symposium was intended to illustrate current applications of Theoretical Chemistry in different fields of Physical Chemistry. Theoretical Chemistry has become a powerful tool of investigation in all areas of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physical Chemistry. The plenary lectures given in the Symposium were classified into four topics: Atom-Surface Interactions, Chemical Reaction Mechanisms, Molecular Structure and Properties, and Molecular Spectroscopy. We retain the same division in this volume. Over 60 scientists from Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, Great-Britain, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Sweden, USA, USSR, and Venezuela participated in the Conference. Twenty plenary lectures were given by distinguished members of the international scientific community. Furthermore, a large number of posters were presented by younger experts in various fields of Theoretical Chemistry. This International Symposium was organized by the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Havana and the Cuban Chemical Society. It was an opportunity to bring together in Havana several outstanding scientists from various countries of the world. Havana is worldwide renown for its wonderful climate, the hospitality of its inhabitants, and the proximity of beautiful touring resorts.

This book gives a representative survey of the state of the art of research on gas-surface interactions. It provides an overview of the current understanding of gas surface dynamics and, in particular, of the reactive and non-reactive processes of atoms and small molecules at surfaces. Leading scientists in the field, both from the theoretical and the experimental sides, write in this book about their most recent advances. Surface science grew as an interdisciplinary research area over the last decades, mostly because of new experimental technologies (ultra-high vacuum, for instance), as well as because of a novel paradigm, the ‘surface science’ approach. The book describes the second transformation which is now taking place pushed by the availability of powerful quantum-mechanical theoretical methods implemented numerically. In the book, experiment and theory progress hand in hand with an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control. The book presents how modern surface science targets the atomic-level understanding of physical and chemical processes at surfaces, with particular emphasis on dynamical aspects. This book is a reference in the field.