Use of spin polarized metastable atom deexcitation spectroscopy to probe the dynamics of metastable atom-surface interactions

Spin-labelling techniques, specifically the use of electron-spin-polarized metastable atoms in conjunction with spin analysis of the ejected electrons, are used to probe the dynamics of metastable atom-surface interactions. Studies of clean and adsorbate covered metallic, semiconductor and insulating surfaces show that the electron ejection processes are more complex than suggested by conventional models of metastable atom deexcitation at surfaces and that effects such as secondary electron production, inelastic spin-flip scattering, and perturbation of the incident atom by the surface must also be considered.