Fundamental Optical Studies of Competitive Adsorption and Thin Film Phenomena: Progress Report, July 1, 1986-December 31, 1988

摘要

We have concentrated on understanding the mechanisms of unusual surface optical phenomena that show potential of development as tools for study of the electrolyte-solid interface. Our work has revealed the origin of the chemical component of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This was found to be concentrated at small Ag clusters, upon which special adsorption can take place and within which electronic resonance operates to increase the Raman cross section. Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) was studied with regard to its ability to determine the symmetry of adsorbed metal monolayers. Success was achieved in the cases of Cd, Tl, and Zn on Ag(111). Each example is unique, demonstrating a range of phenomena and showing how SHG can be used as an interfacial probe. Initiatives were generated in scanning tunneling microscopy and reflectance spectroscopy. Together these techniques have given us a powerful capability to examine the microscopic details of the electrolyte-solid interface. (ERA citation 14:013925)