Resonant surface neutralization of low-energy alkali ions

Abstract Experimental data in literature concerning the neutralization of low-energy (1–10 keV) alkali ions (Li, Na, K) scattered at metal surfaces with grazing angles of reflection of about 10° are re-analyzed within a resonant one-electron tunneling approach. It is demonstrated that a quantitative description can be achieved if the motion parallel to the surface and the spin degree of freedom of the active electron are taken into account. Both these features have been ignored in previous interpretations of respective data. Furthermore, a simple analytical formula is proposed for the dependence of the neutralization probability of alkali ions on the projectile velocity and the work function of the surface.