Computer simulated thermal energy atomic scattering on solid surfaces

Thermal energy atomic scattering on solid surface is investigated by computer simulation. The atomic beam is described by Gaussian wave-packet as an ensemble of independent particles. The atom–solid surface interaction is characterised by an appropriate interaction potential. The interaction potential provides the properties of ideally periodic and disordered surfaces, respectively. The scattering process is governed by time dependent Schrödinger equation that is solved numerically in the case of two-dimensional (2D) and (3D) co-ordinate space. The above-described model provides not only the quantitative intensity distribution but also the animation of the interaction as the time passes. The effect of relative velocity spread, surface disorder and thermal vibration have been investigated efficiently.