Ionization from image states around nanotubes

GISELA A. BOCÁN; NÉSTOR R. ARISTA; JUANA L. GERVASONI; SILVINA SEGUI

PHYSICAL REVIEW B - CONDENSED MATTER AND MATERIALS PHYSICS

APS

Año: 2008 vol. 77 p. 354381 - 354385

0163-1829

We present a theoretical approach to the subject of ionization of electrons occupying an image state around a metallic nanotube. Making use of the image-electron wave function as presented by Granger et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 135506 2002) and performing a first order Born approximation for the transition matrix, we obtain ionization cross sections. The results show unique features which provide some hints to detect and characterize these states. A variety of situations is considered including different projectile velocities, ejection directions, and angular momenta of the image state. Both differential and total cross sections are portrayed and analyzed. The energy spectra at fixed solid angle present a double-peak structure which is a signature of the nonzero angular momentum of the image state. In addition, huge values for the total ionization cross section are predicted.