Enhancement of surface activity in CO oxidation on Pt(110) through spatiotemporal laser actuation

We explore the effect of spatiotemporally varying substrate temperature profiles on the dynamics and resulting reaction rate enhancement for the catalytic oxidation of CO on Pt(110). The catalytic surface is "addressed" by a focused laser beam whose motion is computer-controlled. The averaged reaction rate is observed to undergo a characteristic maximum as a function of the speed of this moving laser spot. Experiments as well as modelling are used to explore and rationalize the existence of such an optimal laser speed.