Atomic beam diffraction from solid surfaces

Atomic beam techniques are presently being used in many branches of surface physics such as studies of the particle-surface physisorption potential, s urface structure, surface phonons, nucleation and growth on metal and insul ator surfaces, surface diffusion and accommodation and sticking of molecule s. This review concentrates on diffractive phenomena from surfaces, which u p to now were investigated mainly with helium. The theoretical background f or diffraction calculations is outlined and representative examples of diff erent applications are given. The main subjects covered are: structural det erminations of chemisorbed and physisorbed systems, investigations of disor dered surfaces, selective adsorption resonances, diffusion and nucleation s tudies and investigations of growth and phase transitions on surfaces. Diff raction results obtained with Ne, Ar, H-2 and D-2 are also summarized.