Effect of Coulomb explosion on track formation in metals irradiated by heavy ions

Abstract

The existing descriptions of the process of track formation in metals bombarded with high-energy heavy ions are usually based on the T-spike model. However, this model fails to explain high temperatures developed in some target materials (e.g., in copper). We present a comparative analysis of track formation in metals under the action of heavy ion bombardment, as described using the Coulomb explosion model and the T-spike model in various modifications. Both models are used to calculate changes in the temperatures of the electron and ion subsystems in the track region in amorphous alloy Fe₈₅B₁₅) and copper targets bombarded with identical high-energy (E > 1 MeV/nucleon) heavy ions. The results show that the Coulomb explosion model predicts stronger heating of the ion subsystem in the track region (with the possible formation of a melt-through zone) as compared to the T-spike model. The formation of point defects in copper as a result of the ionization losses has been also described using the two models and compared to the available experimental data. The Coulomb explosion model provides for a more adequate description of track formation as compared to the T-spike model.