On the exact solution to the scattering of atoms from a hard corrugated surface: application to stepped surfaces

In this paper the authors present a formalism, called N N, which leads to the exact solution of the scattering of waves from a hard corrugated surface. A numerical method, called RR', which converges quickly to the exact solution is developed for solving the scattering amplitudes. The relation of this method to those previously in use is also discussed. An application of this quantum mechanical formalism to the study of the scattering of He thermal beams from stepped surfaces is presented and is in good agreement with experimental data. It is concluded that the RR' method applied to the N N formalism is the only one that can treat the strong corrugation case, in particular stepped surfaces. (Auth.)