Hollow atom dynamics on thin-film covered surfaces

We present high-resolution electron spectroscopy studies of the interaction of hydrogen-like nitrogen and oxygen ions with a thin-film covered Au(1 1 1) surface. As coverages LiF and C-60 are used to investigate the interplay between the projectile and the surface electronic structure. The results f rom LiF permit a definite conclusion on the respective role of the band gap and the binding energy in bulk LiF during the projectile neutralization an d relaxation. Results from C-60 raise new questions on the actual nature of the professes responsible for the filling of the projectile L-shell. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.