Coverage-dependent quantum versus classical scattering of thermal neon atoms from Li/Cu(100)

MacLaren, D.A., Huang, C., Levi, A.C. and Allison, W. (2008) Coverage-dependent quantum versus classical scattering of thermal neon atoms from Li/Cu(100). Journal of Chemical Physics, 129(9), 094706-094706. (doi: 10.1063/1.2976766)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.2976766

Abstract

We show that subtle variations in surface structure can enhance quantum scattering and quench atom-surface energy transfer. The scattering of thermal energy neon atoms from a lithium overlayer on a copper substrate switches between a classical regime, dominated by multiphonon interactions, and a quantum regime, dominated by elastic diffraction. The transition is achieved by simple tailoring of the lithium coverage and quantum scattering dominates only in the narrow coverage range of θ=0.3-0.6 ML. The results are described qualitatively using a modified Debye-Waller model that incorporates an approximate quantum treatment of the adsorbate-substrate vibration.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacLaren, Professor Donald
Authors: MacLaren, D.A., Huang, C., Levi, A.C., and Allison, W.
Subjects:Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Journal of Chemical Physics
ISSN:0021-9606

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