A molecular beam/surface spectroscopy apparatus for the study of reactions on complex model catalysts

We describe a newly developed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) experiment which combines molecular beam techniques and in situ surface spectroscopy. It has been specifically designed to study the reaction kinetics and dynamics on complex model catalysts. The UHV system contains: (a) a preparation compartment providing the experimental techniques which are required to prepare and characterize single-crystal based model catalysts such as ordered oxide surfaces or oxide supported metal particles; and (b) the actual scattering chamber, where up to three molecular beams can be crossed on the sample surface. Two beams are produced by newly developed differentially pumped sources based on multichannel arrays. The latter are capable of providing high intensity and purity beams and can be modulated by means of a vacuum-motor driven and computer-controlled chopper. The third beam is generated in a continuous or pulsed supersonic expansion and is modulated via a variable duty-cycle chopper. Angular and time-resolved measureme...