Theory of atom scattering from surface phonons: Basic concepts and temperature effects

Abstract

The reflection coefficient determining the inelastic scattered intensity is defined and analysed theoretically. Various approximations including the Born approximation, the Distorted-Wave Born approximation (DWBA), the GR method and the eikonal approximation are discussed and illustrated with examples. From an expression for the DWBA inelastic reflection coefficient for n-phonon processes, factors determining the relative role of temperature for multiphonon processes and one-phonon scattering are analysed. Several approximate expressions for the Debye-Waller factor are derived and used to define experimental criteria favouring one-phonon scattering. Most of the examples dealt with are for insulator surfaces. Chapter 8 then describes the scattering theory for metal and semiconductor surfaces.