Computer simulations on energy transfer of fast atoms to a crystal lattice under surface channeling

Abstract

Abstract The energy loss for Ne atoms scattered with keV energies from a LiF(001) surface under channeling conditions, i.e., glancing angles of incidence, is studied via computer simulations using classical trajectories. Our simulations show that the elastic energy transfer to the crystal lattice depends sensitively on lattice vibrations at the crystal surface. From comparison with recent experimental data we derive surface Debye temperatures of 215+100−50 K for the LiF(001) surface.