Resonance-assisted hot electron femtochemistry at surfaces

A theory of resonance-assisted, hot-electron-induced femtochemical processing at surfaces (HEFATS) has been developed in terms of inelastic electron scattering via negative-molecular-ion shape resonances associated with molecules adsorbed on solid surfaces. Two examples, one involving a broad band of laser-excited hot electrons and the other a tunable narrow band produced by a solid state tunnel junction, are used to illustrate the potential of HEFATS in chemical bond breaking as, for instance, in desorption.