9806055 Hirschmugl This project focuses on unraveling energy decay pathways for adsorbate vibrations and studying low energy dynamics during growth of wide band gap materials. Far infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (Far-IRAS) of molecules adsorbed at ionic surfaces will be utilized to directly measure vibrational lineshapes. Real-time Far-IRAS measurements during in-situ growth of thin oxide films on metallic and insulating substrates is also included in the study. Frequency-dependent conductivity and lattice vibrations will be measured, providing electronic and morphological information simultaneously. The infrared measurements will be augmented by conventional surface analytical techniques, including LEED, RHEED, AES, and TPD. %%% This is a research enhancement grant made under the Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education (POWRE) program. The research will contribute new materials science knowledge at a fundamental level.
