Quantum statistical theory of flash desorption

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Abstract
The nonequilibrium initial value problem of phonon‐mediated flash desorption of a gas from a solid surface is formulated explicitly and flash desorption times td=td(Tg, Ts) are calculated, using a nonlocal separable surface potential, as a function of both initial and final temperatures Tg and Ts, respectively. We find that for fixed Tg, td can be approximated by Frenkel’s formula over a limited range of flash temperatures Ts. We fit our theory to flash desorption data for He desorbing from Constantan and find excellent agreement. Predictions on 4He (H or D) desorbing from LiF (NaF) are given. Our theory is formulated both in one and three dimensions and it is shown by numerical examples that the theory of flash desorption works equally well in either case.