Projections of atoms in terms of interatomic vectors

The azimuthal dependencies of the real-space projections of atoms in terms of the near-surface interatomic vectors from a Pt{111}-(1 × 1) surface are demonstrated through the use of 4 keV He + scattering and a time-resolving, position-sensitive microchannel plate detector. These atomic projections are observed in the form of blocking cones which are magnified by 10 9 as a result of the divergence of scattered ion trajectories from atoms that act as virtual emitters. This results in nonplanar scattering trajectories which are not observed in conventional ion scattering experiments.