A compound spike model for formation of nuclear tracks in solids

Abstract

Formation of nuclear tracks in solids has been described as a thermal spike as well as a Coulomb explosion spike. Here, formation of nuclear tracks is described as a compound spike including partial roles of both thermal and Coulomb explosion spikes in track formation. Fractional roles of both spikes depend on atomic and electronic structure of a track detector and deposited energy density in the track detector by the incident charged particle. Behavior of the cylindrical zone along the path of the incident particle is described mathematically in terms of bulk and individual atomic flow or movement. Defect structure of the latent nuclear tracks is described and conditions of continuity and discontinuity of latent tracks are evaluated and discussed. This paper includes mathematical description, analysis and evaluation of the nuclear track formation issue in the light of published experimental and theoretical results, which are useful for users of nuclear track detection technique and researchers involved in ion beam induced materials modification and ions implantation in semiconductors.