On the multiple peaks in charge-transfer probability versus laser frequency in the theory of laser assisted surface ion neutralization

Some aspects of the theory of LASIN (laser assisted surface ion neutralization) are discussed, with emphasis on the physical origins of the so-called double-peak structures found in some calculations of the charge-transfer (neutralization) probability, P, as a function of the laser frequency η. These two peaks have been called the first peak at η ≈ η_m = _O − _m (in a.u.), where _o(_m) is the electronic energy level of the ion/atom (middle of the solid's valence band) and the second peak, a much larger peak at η ≈ 1.3 η_m, respectively.

We show that these double-peak structures are all special cases of multiple-peak structures which result from quantum interference effects, and that, in fact, the second peak is to be regarded as the main resonance peak. This result is interesting in itself, because it is the first peak which has heretofore been considered the main resonance peak.

To simplify the discussion, a two-level model is adapted, which represents the solid valence band by a single level at _m. Clarification of the physical reason for the multiple peaks is based on the semiclassical theory of nonadiabatic transitions, in which the peaks are due to the phase difference between the two adiabatic paths that arise from the diagonalization of the two-level hamiltonian.

With the electronic hopping potential modelled by V(t) = V_osech(λt), and the laser potential by W(t) = W_osech(λt) cos(πt + δ), in the usual notation, an approximate analytical expression for P(η) is presented for the case W_o/V_o < 1, which covers most of the previous treatments, and is in good agreement with the exact results.