The electron-stimulated desorption yield and penetration range of exciting electrons

We have studied the concentration dependences of the yield of electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) of Cs and Na atoms adsorbed on nonmetallic coatings grown on W substrates. It is established that ESD processes occur at the interface between the adlayer and underlying nonmetallic coating. The decay in the concentration dependence of the ESD yield of alkali-metal atoms observed after reaching their monolayer coverage is related to a decrease in the amount of exciting electrons attaining this interface.