We present a new series of experiments on the interaction of highly charged
ions with thin films. The main goal concerns the investigation of the inte
rplay between the projectile and the surface electronic structure. The dyna
mics of the hollow atom is analyzed through high-resolution Auger electron
spectroscopy. LiF and C-60 thin films have been investigated; the results f
rom LiF permit definite conclusion on the respective role of the band gap a
nd the binding energy in bulk LIF during the projectile neutralization and
relaxation. Results from C-60 raise new questions on the actual nature of t
he processes responsible for the fast filling of the projectile L-shell.