Electron scattering distributions as a probe of adsorbate orientation - CO and N2
The differential cross section for elastic electron scattering by adsorbed CO and N2 is calculated. The dependence of this cross section on the azimuthal angle of detection depends on the molecular orientation and can be used to differentiate between a molecule lying flat on the surface, a tilted molecule, and an upright one. For molecules lying flat on the surface, the orientation of the molecular axis and of the C and O atoms with respect to the plane of incidence of the electron can be determined.