On the energy distribution of sputtered dimers

A theoretical expression is obtained for the energy distribution of sputtered dimers from crystal surfaces. The derivation is based on a model where the atoms which constitute a dimer, are sputtered independently from the crystal according to their respective single particle energy distribution functions. Two neighbouring atoms are then supposed to form a dimer if the sum of their initial relative kinetic energy and potential energy is less than zero. A comparison with experimental results for K₂ and KI sputtered from polycrystalline K and KI surfaces respectively, shows a good agreement.