Mechanically induced desorption

• Published in: Vacuum Vol. 43; no. 5; pp. 367 - 371
• Main Author: REPA, P
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1992; Elsevier
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Desorption; Exact sciences and technology; Friction; Gases; Mathematical models; Physics; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surface structure and topography; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties)
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/0042-207X(92)90039-Y

In the course of experimentation with uhv systems Groszkowski ( Bull Acad Pol Sci, 9 , 2 (1961), found that there was release of gas from the surface when it was rubbed. The cause of this phenomenon was referred to as mechanically induced desorption (MID). Although many experiments were carried out by Pátý and his team the physical mechanism resulting in MID has not yet been discovered. This paper summarizes experimental results and theoretical considerations about the pressure changes in vacuum systems if rubbing of the surface occurs. Some considerations for uhv analysis chambers are presented and possible uses of MID for investigation of the wear of surfaces during friction processes are discussed.