Diffraction of fast heavy noble gas atoms, Ar, Kr and Xe on a LiF(001) surface Changing the tip of a 'perfect' AFM

Abstract

We investigate experimentally the diffraction of fast atoms of noble gas on a LiF(100) crystal oriented along the [100] and [110] directions. The wavelengths are so short that the observed quantum features are qualitatively described by semi-classical models. With increasing mass and energy, the scattering profiles show an increasing number of diffraction peaks forming an increasing number of supernumerary rainbow peaks but progressively weakening in contrast. The innermost peaks corresponding to individual Bragg peaks disappear first. Along the [100] direction, only one type of atomic row contributes to the diffraction signal. After removing the contributions of the attractive forces, we present topological corrugation that should compare with those accessible with an atomic force microscope (AFM).

arXiv comment13 pgaes and 13 figures with 63 references

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