A realistic interatomic potential in solids

Abstract

A general interatomic potential is given, which is based on a new combination rule for the screening length. It depends only on the atomic numbers of collision partners. It is compared to accurate potentials. In cases of K⁺ → W and Ar⁺ → Cu collisions this potential is very close to the accurate potentials determined theoretically and experimentally. In addition the generality of this potential is examined, particularly for the low energy part, in terms of the correction factors to the screening length for various cases of atomic number combinations. This potential yields a good fit to individual experimental results. These facts support the reliability of this potential and the new combination rule for the screening length as its basis.

Key Words:

• Interatomic potentials
• repulsive potentials in solids
• screening length