OBSERVATION OF HYDROGEN ATOMS ADSORBED ON QUARTZ

Abstract

In gas flow ESR studies of the discharge product of molecular hydrogen, it was observed that two weak asymmetric lines appear along side each of the two strong free atom lines. The spectrum was analyzed in terms of an ${S} = \frac{1}{2}, {I} = \frac{1}{2}$ system having axial symmetry and 2nd random orientation with respect to an applied external magnetic field. The observed intensity distribution was consistent with this analysis, leading to the conclusion that the paramagnetic system is in an adsorbed state. Evidence will be presented in support of the belief that the spectrum is due to hydrogen atoms adsorbed on quartz surfaces.