HREELS study of C70 molecules adsorbed on a Si(111)-(7 x 7) surface

We have measured the coverage dependence of vibrational excitation spectra of C-70 molecules adsorbed on a Si(1 1 1)-(7x7) surface using high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. At the monolayer coverage, the intensity of the 57 meV peak increases, and those of the 83 and 178 meV peaks decrease. Taking into account the dipole selection rule, the change in intensity of the 57 meV peak indicates that the average angle between the long axes of C-70 molecules and surface normal is about 40 degrees. The decreases in intensities of the 83 and 178 meV peaks suggest that the rotational motion of molecules is quenched upon adsorption. We will discuss the Coriolis interaction between the accidentally degenerate A(2)(") and E-1' modes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.