Direct multiquantum relaxation of highly vibrationally excited NO in collisions with O/Cu(111)

We present a new experimental approach to the study of vibrational relaxation of highly vibrationally excited molecules at solid surfaces. We observe NO in υ = 13 and 15 losing up to five vibrational quanta in collisions with an O-covered copper surface. The data indicate this vibrational relaxation occurs via a direct scattering mechanism. © 1999 American Institute of Physics.