Hollow atom dynamics on thin-film covered surfaces

We present high-resolution electron spectroscopy studies of the interaction of hydrogen-like nitrogen and oxygen ions with a thin-film covered Au(1 1 1) surface. As coverages LiF and C(60) are used to investigate the interplay between the projectile and the surface electronic structure. The results from LiF permit a definite conclusion on the respective role of the band gap and the binding energy in bulk LiF during the projectile neutralization and relaxation. Results from C(60) raise new questions on the actual nature of the professes responsible for the filling of the projectile L-shell. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved