Finite time effect in the charge transfer process during an ion-metal surface collision

The effect of the metal band structure on the resonant charge transfer process in ion-metal surface collisions is studied using a wave-packet propagation technique. A model system is designed to mimic the Cu(111) surface which presents a band gap for electron motion normal to the surface. The dynamics of the electron transfers between an H- ion and the surface is very different at low and high collision velocities. This is attributed to the finite time required by the electron to travel between the ion and the inside of the metal and probe the metal band structure. [S0031-9007(98)05467-2].