Final Rydberg state population probabilities of multiply charged ions escaping solid surfaces

Abstract

The two-state vector model is used to investigate the final population of the Rydberg states (nA ≫ 1, lA = 0 s(-) 2, mA = 0) of multiply charged ions escaping solid surfaces at intermediate velocities (v ≈ 1 a.u.). Within the framework of the proposed time-symmetrized quantum model, the electron capture is a non-resonant, velocity dependent process, characterized by the selective population of the ionic Rydberg states. The final population probabilities are obtained in a relatively simple analytical form, which enables us to elucidate the role of the ionic core polarization and to analyze the nA, lA and v probability distributions. We consider the ions SVI, ClVII and ArVIII with core charges Z = 6, 7 and 8, respectively, and the ions KrVIII and XeVIII with Z = 8. The results are obtained for two type of surfaces and compared with available beam-foil experimental data. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.