Sputtering of Au (111) induced by 16-keV Au cluster bombardment: Spikes, craters, late emission, and fluctuations
Abstract
Sputtering of a Au (111) surface induced by 16-keV Aun cluster bombardment (n=1,2,4,8,12) is studied by molecular-dynamics simulation. A statistically significant picture of the materials effects induced is obtained: With the exception of Au1 bombardment, sputtering lasts at least 8 ps, a pronounced crater is formed as a rule, and large clusters emitted late from the crater rim contribute substantially to sputtering. Sputter yield and crater size are strongly positively correlated in each individual impact event. For larger-cluster impact (n>=4), fluctuations in these two quantities shrink, giving the events a macroscopic appearance.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review B
- Pub Date:
- September 2000
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevB.62.8487
- Bibcode:
- 2000PhRvB..62.8487C
- Keywords:
-
- 79.20.Rf;
- 36.40.-c;
- 61.80.Lj;
- Atomic molecular and ion beam impact and interactions with surfaces;
- Atomic and molecular clusters;
- Atom and molecule irradiation effects