Ultrafast Dynamics of Adsorbates at Solid Surfaces

Abstract

We review recent investigations on laser induced dynamics of surface adsorbates achieved by various surface sensitive pump-probe spectroscopy combined with ultrahigh vacuum surface science techniques. Both electronic and vibrational dynamics are discussed on the basis of measurements with time-resolved photoemission and time-resolved nonlinear optical spectroscopy. Recent progress in understanding of surface nuclear wavepacket dynamics and observation of photoinduced desorption precursor states are also reviewed.