Inelastic transitions of atoms and molecules induced by van der Waals interaction with a surface (original) (raw)

This study explores the inelastic transitions of metastable atoms and molecules, specifically rare gases and nitrogen, as induced by their interaction with a surface through van der Waals forces. The work focuses on how these interactions facilitate electron emission from these metastable species when they come into proximity with a metal surface. It derives key equations governing the van der Waals potential and discusses how resonant coupling can alter these interactions, leading to different atomic transitions, particularly focusing on fine-structure transitions in argon and krypton. The findings are illustrated with experimental data showing threshold behaviors and inelastic diffraction patterns, contributing to a deeper understanding of non-retarded atom-surface interactions.