Molecular-orbital model for slow hollow atoms colliding with atoms in a solid.

Abstract

A model that has previously been used to calculate the molecular orbitals in atomic collisions between neutral atoms and ions is extended to describe hollow atoms colliding with a solid. The energy levels and screening functions are obtained from density-functional calculations. The results show that the inner-shell holes in the hollow projectile, as well as the screening cloud within the solid, create important effects that are essential for the description of the interaction of multicharged ions with solids.