Quantifying the dynamical information content of pulsed, planar laser-induced fluorescence measurements

We have analyzed the effects of the spreads in experimental parameters on the reliability of speeds and angular distributions extracted from a generic surface-scattering experiment based on planar laser-induced fluorescence detection. The numerical model assumes a pulsed beam of projectile molecules is directed at a surface. The spatial distribution of the scattered products is detected by imaging the laser-induced fluorescence excited by a thin, pulsed sheet of laser light. Monte Carlo sampling is used to select from realistic distributions of the experimental parameters. The key parameter is found to be the molecular-beam diameter, expressed as a ratio to the measurement distance from the point of impact. Measured angular distributions are negligibly distorted when this ratio is

Automated summary

The effects of experimental parameter spreads on the reliability of speeds and angular distributions in a surface-scattering experiment were analyzed. A numerical model involving a pulsed beam of molecules impacting a surface and detecting the scattered products through laser-induced fluorescence was used. Monte Carlo sampling was employed to select realistic experimental parameters. The molecular-beam diameter to measurement distance ratio was identified as a crucial parameter, with negligibly distorted angular distributions observed at smaller ratios.