Effects of target constituent mass difference on collision cascade induced composition changes in binary alloys

Abstract

The cascade simulation code MARLOWE has been used to examine low dose composition changes caused by 5 keV Xe ions normally incident on a homogeneous polycrystalline target composed of 50%-50% Lu and Fe. The depth profile of the collision cascade induced atomic concentration of Lu is calculated and yields an excess of Lu in the surface, in agreement with the published results using the code TRIDYN. Calculation of the distributions of recoil Lu and Fe ions originating in particular layers indicate, however, that the heavier mass ion is driven deeper into the target, on the average, than the lighter mass ion—contrary to general perceptions.