Computer studies of the reflection of 30 keV N+2 ions from a (010)Cu surface

Abstract The reflection of 30 keV N + 2 molecular ions from a Cu(010) surface has been studied using molecular dynamics multiple interaction simulations. The model is used to investigate the trajectories leading to the reflection of undissociated N + 2 ions. A theoretical analysis of the reflection of diatomic molecules is also given, which provides proper insight into the process as well as a useful guide to the simulations. In contrast to previous theories, correlations in the motion of molecule's nuclei were found to play an important role on the. reflection of bound clusters.