Ionization dynamics via ion-collection field of Rydberg atoms approaching metal surfaces

Abstract

The ionization dynamics of slow hydrogenlike Rydberg atoms (principal quantum number $n\ensuremath{\gg}1$) approaching solid surfaces is considered via an ion-collection electric field, using an appropriate etalon equation method. The complex energy eigenvalue problem is solved in the critical region $R\ensuremath{\approx}{R}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}{R}_{c}^{I}$ of the ion-surface distances $R$ in which the ionization process is mainly localized and the parabolic symmetry is preserved. The relatively simple analytical forms for the parabolic rates enable us to elucidate the main features of the self-consistent ionization dynamics of the projectiles with the time-dependent charges. The ionization distances ${R}_{c}^{I}$ are calculated and an agreement of the averaged probability (for the atomic beam) with the corresponding experimental results is discussed for the relevant parameters of the ion-surface system. The formulas are suggested for the simulation of the experimental signal and for deducing the ${R}_{c}^{I}$ values from this signal.