Semiclassical description of inelastic atom scattering by surfaces

Inelastic scattering of atoms of moderate energies (say<5 eV) by solid surfaces is almost entirely due to energy exchange with lattice vibrations. It can give valuable information about the atom-surface interaction potential and the vibrational dynamics at surfaces. Theoretically this process represents a challenging many-body problem, calling for suitable approximation methods. Work in progress (K. Burke, L. D. Chang, and W. Kohn) is described. (1) We have solved a simple model problem in which the normal modes of the lattice are schematized by a single one-dimensional harmonic oscillator, initially in its ground state (T=0). The classical solution gives a unique energy loss. We have calculated the leading quantum correction and find a Gaussian final energy distribution whose width is proportional toh ^1/2. Our exact results are in general different from the so-called trajectory approximation. (2) We are about to propose a new type of atom-surface scattering experiment, which will provide a direct measure of the quantum corrections to classical scattering.