Neutralization of multiply charged ions at a surface

Abstract

We report on emission processes induced by particle-solid interaction involving ions with a large potential (i.e., high ion charge state) and low kinetic energy. After an introduction into existing neutralization models for ion scattering at a metal surface a detailed discussion on the electron emission processes is presented.

The number of electrons emitted per incident ion is shown to be proportional to the potential energy only within a restricted parameter field involving charge state and ion velocity. The kinetic energy distribution of emitted electrons is dominated by low-energetic electrons (≦30 eV), while inner shell holes of the projectile ion can initiate high-energetic characteristic Auger electrons. The presence of inner shell holes is also of importance for the charge state of highly charged ions being scattered at surfaces whereas normally the charge state distribution of scattered ions depends on the impact parameter only.

The influence of the primary ion charge state on the sputtering yield of insulating surfaces is seen for the charge state of sputtered particles, whereas the total sputtering yield seems to be insensitive. This question is still subject to controversy, however.

Photon emission dependent on the charge state of the impinging ion has been observed up to now only for extremely highly charged ions as hydrogenlike Ar or Kr.