Improved Dynamic Simulation of Highly Charged Ion-Surface Collisions

Abstract

On the basis of a refined classical overbarrier model, we simulate the evolution of level occupations of slow highly charged ions (HCIs) reflected by metal surfaces. Our calculation includes the full trajectory of the projectile and incorporates atomic structure calculations which provide accurate asymptotic projectile energy levels. We scrutinize effects related to proposed interaction mechanisms, such as peeling off atomic Rydberg levels and small-distance side feeding from the target valence band to inner projectile shells. The simultaneous evaluation of projectile energy gains, final charge state distributions, and the emission of projectile Auger electrons agrees well with experiments.