Computational models for multiphonon scattering from surfaces: applications to He scattering from insulators

Abstract We consider the inelastic interaction of a neutral atomic projectile scattering from a solid surface. Several computational models are developed to analyze the diffuse multiphonon component in the scattered intensity. Through extensive numerical calculations we determine the validity ranges of these approximations. Comparisons with experimental data for He scattering from LiF(001) and KCN(001) provide examples of the applicability of these theoretical approximations.