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Quantum scattering from a sinusoidal hard wall: Atomic diffraction from solid surfaces

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev., B, v. 12, no. 12, pp. 5545-5551

An exact quantum formalism for atom scattering from a sinusoidal hard- wall surface is presented. The Lippmann-Schwinger equation is solved for a scattering kernel consistent with the hard-wall boundary conditions on the Schrodinger equation. It results in an infinite-dimensional matrix equation for the Fourier coefficients of the scattering kernel which can be solved in a finite- dimensional limit to convergence. The results show either rainbow or specular patterns depending on the surface roughness and incident k vector, as predicted by semiclassical and coupled-channel calculations. Bragg-like structure is present with the periodicity of the amplitude of the sinusoidal hard wall and the effects of multiple scattering are evidenced at large surface amplitudes. (AIP)

Research Organization:
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-33-018428
OSTI ID:
4085892
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev., B, v. 12, no. 12, pp. 5545-5551, Journal Name: Phys. Rev., B, v. 12, no. 12, pp. 5545-5551; ISSN PLRBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English