Theory of atomic diffraction from evanescent waves

Abstract

We review recent theoretical models and experiments dealing with the diffraction of neutral atoms from a reflection grating, formed by a standing evanescent wave. We analyze diffraction mechanisms proposed for normal and grazing incidence, point out their scopes and confront the theory with experiment.

to be published in Applied Phys. B (accepted 17 june 1999). Slightly modified version with updated bibliography (14 pages, 8 figures). Uses Springer journal style files svjour.cls, svglobal.clo, and graphicx.sty

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