The interaction between CF3+ ions and Ag (111)

We present a description of the interaction of CF₃⁺ ions with a Ag(111) surface. The angular and energy distributions of the scattered ions (negative and positive) are measured for incident beam energies ranging from 100 to 500 eV. Comparison is made with CF₃⁺ scattering measurements from HOPG. The results can be explained using a combination of electronic and mechanical effects. We propose a sequence of charge exchange and collision-induced processes that are consistent with the measured data. The dominant electronic process is a dissociative neutralization of the CF₃⁺ prior to the surface collision. There is also a non-dissociative neutralization channel, which allows some of the parent molecules to survive the surface interaction. The incoming molecules can be further dissociated by internal energy uptake due to the impulsive collision with the surface.