Perturbation of atomic energy levels by a metal surface

The energy level shifts of one-electron atomic particles H, He+, Li++, etc. which interact with a metal surface have been investigated. In the approxi mation of image charges, an operator describing perturbations of atomic lev els has been obtained. By numerically solving the Schrodinger equation, we have calculated energy levels of H(1s), H-*(n=2), and C5+(n) as functions o f the distance between an atom and surface. Asymptotic behavior of atomic l evels at large distances from the surface has been studied. The linear Star k effect for excited states, which was earlier mentioned by A. V. Chaplik, has been found and investigated in detail. (C) 1999 American Institute of P hysics. [S1063-7761(99)01707-2].