Auger-mediated sticking of positrons to surfaces: evidence for a single-step transition from a scattering state to a surface image potential bound state.
We present the observation of an efficient mechanism for positron sticking to surfaces termed here Auger-mediated sticking. In this process the energy associated with the positrons transition from an unbound scattering state to a bound image potential state is coupled to a valence electron which can then have sufficient energy to leave the surface. Compelling evidence for this mechanism is found in a narrow secondary electron peak observed at incident positron kinetic energies well below the electron work function.
Mukherjee
S
S
Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019, USA.
Nadesalingam
M P
MP
Guagliardo
P
P
Sergeant
A D
AD
Barbiellini
B
B
Williams
J F
JF
Fazleev
N G
NG
Weiss
A H
AH