Abstract
The scattering of atoms from surfaces is studied within the classical Wigner formalism. A new analytical expression is derived for the angular distribution and its surface temperature dependence. The expression is valid in the limit of weak coupling between the vertical motion with respect to the surface and the horizontal motion of the atom along the periodic surface. The surface temperature dependence is obtained in the limit of weak coupling between the horizontal atomic motion and the surface phonons. The resulting expression, which takes into account the surface corrugation, leads to an almost symmetric double peaked angular distribution, with peaks at the rainbow angles. The analytic expression agrees with model numerical computations. It provides a good qualitative description for the experimentally measured angular distribution of Ne and Ar scattered from a Cu surface.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
