Abstract
Application of laser excitation and detection techniques has allowed us to perform state-specific studies of the scattering of a molecular beam of vibrationally excited NO molecules from a Ag(111) surface. State-specific angular and velocity distributions have been obtained which indicate a direct-inelastic type of scattering mechanism. This information is combined with rotational and electronic (spin-orbit) distributions to determine the probability for survival of vibrational excitation, SP = 0.9. © 1986.