Abstract
The processes and modifications induced by the passage of heavy ions through solids have, for a long time, been the subject of intensive research. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) provides a novel access to highly resolved imaging of ion tracks, complementing classical methods such as electron microscopy, X-ray and neutron scattering analysis. Our investigations concentrated on STM of surface modifications of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), and polycarbonate foil. All samples were irradiated at the GSI heavy-ion accelerator UNILAC with highly charged ions, having kinetic energies of several GeV. The impacts of 15 MeV/u Au 24+ ions on HOPG created little hills (rather than craters). Within the damaged surface areas the graphite lattice is disturbed to an extent which no longer allows atomic resolution. Single submicron pores in a polymer foil, created by etching ion tracks, became accessible to STM by covering the surface with a thin gold layer.
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