The backscattering of low energy ions and surface structure

Low energy ion scattering (< 2 keV) in combination with LEED allows surface structure analysis in the case of gases adsorbed on single crystal surfaces. Strong shadowing and anisotropic effects observed are used to estimate the position of the adsorbed species. These techniques may also be extended to study adsorption on polycrystals. For the study of the faces of polar crystals multiple scattering effects in conjunction with shadowing offer a method of surface structure analysis. Surface relaxation effects may possibly be successfully measured by high energy (100 keV – 2 MeV) ion scattering making use of channelling and blocking effects.