Ejection of Molecules from Solid Deuterium Excited by keV Electrons

The energy distribution of sputtered D{sub 2} from electron-bombarded solid deuterium has been studied for the first time. The spectra from this quantum solid show features that may originate from an energy release sequence of association of atoms. For ejection energies above 1 meV the gross features of the spectrum are similar to those from electronic sputtering of other much less volatile condensed gases. Sputtered D{sub 4} molecules have been observed for the first time as well. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}