Final Rydberg state population probabilities of multiply charged ions escaping solid surfaces

Abstract

The two-state vector model is used to investigate the final population of the Rydberg states ( n A ≫ 1 , l A = 0 – 2 , m A = 0 ) of multiply charged ions escaping solid surfaces at intermediate velocities ( v ≈ 1 a.u.). Within the framework of the proposed time-symmetrized quantum model, the electron capture is a non-resonant, velocity dependent process, characterized by the selective population of the ionic Rydberg states. The final population probabilities are obtained in a relatively simple analytical form, which enables us to elucidate the role of the ionic core polarization and to analyze the n A , l A and v probability distributions. We consider the ions SVI, ClVII and ArVIII with core charges Z = 6 , 7 and 8, respectively, and the ions KrVIII and XeVIII with Z = 8 . The results are obtained for two type of surfaces and compared with available beam-foil experimental data.