Electronic interaction of multicharged ions with metal surfaces at low velocities

Abstract

The goal of this lecture is to cover the main steps to our present understanding of the interaction of Multi-Charged Ions with Metal Surfaces at Low Velocities starting with the work of Hagstrum on moderately charged ions (q = 5) dating from 1954 [1]. This readily allows to establish the relation between this particular topic and the much wider theme of Electronic Interactions of Ions with Metal-Surfaces which was covered in another lecture recently [2]. The interpretations of Hagstrum were confirmed by Arifov at al. [3] in 1973 via theoretical model calculations and verified by experiments with charge states up to q = 7. With the invention of powerful sources for the efficient production of highly charged ions [4,5,6] a renaissance of these studies with further increasing charge states up to q = 12 has considerably improved the experimental techniques and possibilities in Groningen [7], Oak Ridge [8], Grenoble [5], and Moscow [6]. These experiments have produced a considerable amount of data for which a consistent interpretation is presented in this lecture. It will give new insights into the dynamic interaction of a multi-charged ion in front of a metal surface.