Quantum theory of elastic and inelastic scattering of atoms by solid surfaces

The theory of scattering of atoms by solid surfaces is extended in the following three areas: (1) elastic scattering (atom diffraction) in the absence of inelastic scattering, (2) inelastic scattering (atom-phonon scattering) in the absence of diffraction, and (3) a combination of diffraction and inelastic scattering. The elastic scattering theory is developed to the point where it is possible to interpret experimental results on up to 60 diffracted beams; the starting point is the theory of Cabrera, Celli, Goodman, and Manson [Surf. Sci. 19, 67 (1970)]. The results are applied to experimental data on the helium-lithium fluoride system. The inelastic scattering theory is extended to a consideration of phonon scattering about the diffracted beams; the starting point is the theory cited above and that of Goodman [Surf. Sci. 30, 1 (1972)]. The results are applied to experimental data on the helium-silver and helium-lithium fluoride systems.