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Title: Ion bombardment induced smoothing of amorphous metallic surfaces: Experiments versus computer simulations

Journal Article · · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
;  [1]
  1. I. Physikalisches Institut, Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Goettingen (Germany)

Smoothing of rough amorphous metallic surfaces by bombardment with heavy ions in the low keV regime is investigated by a combined experimental-simulational study. Vapor deposited rough amorphous Zr{sub 65}Al{sub 7.5}Cu{sub 27.5} films are the basis for systematic in situ scanning tunneling microscopy measurements on the smoothing reaction due to 3 keV Kr{sup +} ion bombardment. The experimental results are directly compared to the predictions of a multiscale simulation approach, which incorporates stochastic rate equations of the Langevin type in combination with previously reported classical molecular dynamics simulations [Phys. Rev. B 75, 224107 (2007)] to model surface smoothing across length and time scales. The combined approach of experiments and simulations clearly corroborates a key role of ion induced viscous flow and ballistic effects in low keV heavy ion induced smoothing of amorphous metallic surfaces at ambient temperatures.

OSTI ID:
21143284
Journal Information:
Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Vol. 77, Issue 15; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.77.155406; (c) 2008 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1098-0121
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English