Physical Sciences Division Exciting Atoms on the Move Fine-tuned
laser light activates oxygen atoms to escape the surface
Exciton-driven desorption of highly energetic neutral oxygen
atoms from nanostructured CaO. This work was chosen for the
cover of The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, January 27, 2011.
Enlarge Image Results: A new way to accelerate and remove oxygen
atoms from thin films of calcium oxide has been discovered by a
team of scientists from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
University College of London, and Tohoku University. By choosing
the appropriate laser wavelength, they found a way to remove
oxygen at many times the speed of sound. The atoms escape from
the surface of nanostructured films of calcium oxide. This
research has implications for research and development in
photochemistry, catalysis, and microelectronics. It was chosen
as the cover of The Journal of Physical Chemistry C for January
27, 2011. Why it matters: Focusing on new and old questions,
basic research helps us underst