Ion-atom interaction potential effects on the shape of energy spectra of ions backscattered by a thick target

Abstract

Based o n the general Gaudsmit-Saunderson-Lewis model for multiple scattering in a semiinfinite medium, an expression accounting for the effects of multiple scattering on the shape of the backscattering energy spectrum has been obtained. This expression is represented by a series of ion angular distribution moments. The limits of the applicability of the small-angle approximation t o the description of multiple scattering are defined. It is shown that the sensitivity of the angular distribution moments of multiple scattered ions to the type of ion-atom potential increases with an increase in the moment order. The possibility of investigation of the ion-atom interaction potential experimentally over a wide range of impact parameters by the backscattering method is discussed.