Fast ion diffraction of protons on NaCl, the discovery of GIFAD
Diffraction de protons rapide sur NaCl, la découverte de GIFAD
Abstract
Grazing incidence fast atom diffraction (GIFAD or FAD) has become a technique to track the
surface topology of crystal surface at the atomic scale. The paper retraces the events that led to
the discovery of unexpected quantum behavior of keV atoms during the thesis of Patrick Rousseau
in Orsay and Andreas Schueller in Berlin. In Orsay, it started by diffraction spots whereas in Berlin
supernumerary rainbows were first identified at keV. Though the discovery was not anticipated, it
did not take place by accident, everything was in place several years before, waiting only for an
interest in neutral projectiles with a touch of curiosity".
Domains
Physics [physics]Origin | Files produced by the author(s) |
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