Energy density and time constant of heavy-ion-induced elastic-collision spikes in solids

Spike effects may influence sputtering and disordering of ion-bombarded solids in the case of a high density of energy deposition and long lifetime. We estimate both quantities and find very pronounced variations with the atomic numbers of the projectile ion and target and the bombarding energy. The predicted energy range where sputtering should be affected is consistent with observed anomalies in the measured yield.