Effects of collision cascade density on radiation defect dynamics in 3C-SiC

Sci Rep. 2017 Mar 17:7:44703. doi: 10.1038/srep44703.

Abstract

Effects of the collision cascade density on radiation damage in SiC remain poorly understood. Here, we study damage buildup and defect interaction dynamics in 3C-SiC bombarded at 100 °C with either continuous or pulsed beams of 500 keV Ne, Ar, Kr, or Xe ions. We find that bombardment with heavier ions, which create denser collision cascades, results in a decrease in the dynamic annealing efficiency and an increase in both the amorphization cross-section constant and the time constant of dynamic annealing. The cascade density behavior of these parameters is non-linear and appears to be uncorrelated. These results demonstrate clearly (and quantitatively) an important role of the collision cascade density in dynamic radiation defect processes in 3C-SiC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.