Topographic modifications on the graphite surface induced by high energy single-ion impact
Résumé
Argon ions of 50 keV energy were implanted into graphite at doses ranging from 1011 to 1015 ions cm−2. The implanted graphite surface was studied using scanning tunneling microscopy. Isolated single ion-impacts were imaged, showing the formation of a small bump at the point of impact. This characteristic bump is attributed to residual damage and defect-induced stresses which take place after the ion collision cascade, around the ion track. Images obtained for increasing ion doses suggest that the collision cascade initiated by the high energy primary ion determines the first stages of evolution of the surface morphology.