Following on from gas-phase studies of electron-water collisions, we are planning a series of experiments to look at the interaction of low energy electrons with ASW. Due to its disorded arrangement of water molecules, ASW is often used in ultra-high vacuum conditions to approximate liquid phase water.
For these experiments, ASW will be deposited on a metal oxide surface, and the yield of H₂ studied using mass spectrometry.

Some work has already been conducted on the electron irradiation of ASW on TiO₂ in collaboration with N. Petrik and G. Kimmel at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Work at the DCF will further this investigation, looking at alternative oxide surfaces with similar characteristics to PuO₂.