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REVIEWS OF TOPICAL PROBLEMS

Defect and track formation in solids irradiated by superhigh-energy ions

F. F. Komarov

Belarusian State University

Abstract: The state-of-the-art of research into processes and mechanisms of defect and track formation in materials irradiated by fast ions is reviewed. It is shown that the nature and morphology of tracks depend on the type and structure of the material and on the amount of energy density transferred to its electron subsystem. It is also shown that the relaxation of high electronic excitations dominates the track formation process. Discontinuous track formation mechanisms and those underlying the migration of atoms and the channeling of ions in tracks are discussed.

PACS: 61.80.-x, 61.82.-d, 61.85.+p

Received: July 18, 2002
Revised: January 15, 2003

DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0173.200312b.1287

 English version: Physics–Uspekhi, 2003, 46:12, 1253–1282

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