Theoretical modeling of photon- and electron-stimulated Na and K desorption from SiO2

Abstract

The mechanism of generation of atomic Na and K from SiO2 samples has been studied using explicitly correlated wave function and density functional theory cluster calculations. Possible pathways for the photon and electron stimulated desorption of Na and K atoms from silicates are proposed, thus providing new insight on the generation of the tenuous Na and K atmosphere of the Moon. © 2004 The American Physical Society.