Light-induced potassium desorption from polydimethylsiloxane film

Potassium photoejection from polydimethylsiloxane surfaces has been observed and analyzed in detail. By diode laser absorption spectroscopy the K concentration in a sealed measurement cell without buffer gas has been monitored as a function of the environment variables, like temperature, flooding light wavelength and power. The dynamic evolution of the process has been measured too, showing differences compared to previous measurements with different alkali-metal atoms. Saturation spectroscopy on the K D1 line has been performed at room temperature by taking advantage of this phenomenon.