The sensitivity, or ionization efficiency, f, of a low work-function ("desensitized") Pt/W (92/8%) surface ionization detector for alkali halide (MX) beams increases strongly with the internal energy, E-exc, of the MX. For excited KI (formed in crossed beam chemical reaction). f proportional to exp [gamma E-exc/kT(i)] with gamma approximate to 1/4.