Scanning-force-microscopy study of MeV-atomic-ion-induced surface tracks in organic crystals.

Abstract

We present scanning force microscope images of craterlike defects induced by individual 78.2-MeV [sup 127]I ions incident on organic single-crystal [ital L]-valine surfaces. For grazing incidence ions, the craters are elongated along the ion azimuth of incidence and display a raised tail in the surface above the ion track. This permanent plastic deformation of the surface indicates that a hydrodynamic pressure-pulse phenomenon occurs in response to the electronically deposited energy.