Elastic and inelastic diffraction of fast atoms,\linebreak Debye-Waller factor and Mössbauer-Lamb-Dicke regime

Abstract: The diffraction of fast atoms at crystal surfaces is ideal for a detailed investigation of the surface electronic density. However, instead of sharp diffraction spots, most experiments show elongated streaks characteristic of inelastic diffraction. This paper describes these inelastic profiles in terms of individual inelastic collisions with surface atoms taking place along the projectile trajectory and leading to vibrational excitation of the local Debye oscillator. A quasi-elastic regime where only one inelastic event contributes is identified as well as a mixed quantum-classical regime were several inelastic collision are involved. These regimes describe a smooth evolution of the scattering profiles from sharp spots to elongated streaks merging progressively into the classical diffusion regime.