How non-destructive is ISS?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) is normally considered a non-destructive technique for surface analysis, while secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is intrinsically destructive. However, both SIMS and ISS use similar primary beams in the kilo-electron-volt region to perform surface analysis. Although energies and projectile mass are chosen in order to minimize or maximize sputtering for each technique, care should be taken when ISS is performed. Indeed, while sputtering is essential for SIMS, it is unwelcome in ISS. In this paper, we discuss how sputtering may become possible by light ions in the energy range of some 100 eV to some keV. We describe the mechanisms and threshold energies, what is preferential sputtering and how large the absolute value of the sputtering yields should be. We also give details about the emission anisotropy of the sputtered particles for single crystals. Finally, we suggest a way to evaluate the erosion rate under typical ISS conditions and we present examples of He + and Ar+ on a Ba target.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)609-618
Number of pages10
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Volume222
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2004

Keywords

  • Atom emission
  • Atom-solid interactions
  • ISS
  • Sputtering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How non-destructive is ISS?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this