EFFECTS OF A LASER FIELD ON SURFACE-ION NEUTRALIZATION

We present a theoretical model for studying the effects of an electrom agnetic (laser) field on the process of neutralization of an ion durin g scattering by a surface. The model is part of a many-electron theory within the framework of a time-dependent version of the Anderson-Newn s model. Where we specify the system studied, we choose the scattering of an initially ionized lithium atom by a potassium bromide surface. The model considers only scattering in one dimension. Numerical result s are presented for the ion-neutralization probability as a function o f time, incident-ion kinetic energy, electronic properties of the syst em, laser intensity, and laser frequency. The results are discussed an d conclusions are drawn; for example, we conclude that the laser effec ts are negligible (at least for the parameters we choose) for laser in tensities below about 1 PW/m2, and intensities larger than about 10 PW /m2 may be required for substantial effects.