High resolution photon stimulated desorption spectroscopy of solid nitrogen by resonant N 1 s core level excitation

Photon stimulated desorption (PSD) spectra of ions (N⁺, N⁺₂, and N²⁺) by N 1 s → 1π_g and N 1 s → Rydberg level excitations have been recorded from solid nitrogen for different polarization and detection conditions, and compared with electron yield data. Vibrational fine structure is clearly resolved also in photon stimulated desorption (PSD) spectra; its details depend on layer preparation, but also on the type of signal. Detailed evaluation should allow conclusions on the nature and the dynamics of the process of bond breaking and on the influence of the surroundings on it. Exploiting alignment effects by properly setting polarization and detection angles, symmetries of electronic excited states can be well analysed even for samples consisting of randomly oriented molecules.