MULTIELECTRON NEUTRALIZATION CHANNELS IN ION-SURFACE SCATTERING

The neutralization of an ion impinging on a metal surface via capture in a low-lying level is studied. A self-consistent local density appro ximation calculation of the capture rate in the ground state of helium in front of an aluminum surface is reported. This calculation allows us to study the different multielectron channels involved. Using this knowledge about the possible neutralization channels, different system s are analyzed. This leads to a revision of the neutralization probabi lities of ions in front of metal surfaces.