Role of projectile ion mass in vacancy formation on muscovite mica

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of energetic projectile ion mass on defect/vacancy formation on muscovite mica. Utilizing low-energy bombardment (10 keV), the effects of two different projectile ions (Ar⁺, O⁺) irradiation on multi-elemental muscovite mica under normal and grazing incidence conditions, are examined theoretically. The findings reveal varying amounts of vacancy formation in the constituent elements of mica, with heavier Ar-ions inducing the maximum vacancy production compared to oxygen ions, owing to the greater energy available (T_dam) for vacancy formation. Despite of a similar energy transfer by each ion, the resulting damage and vacancy production differ across ions, is investigated here. Additionally, a shift in the ion distribution profile towards deeper penetration depths compared to the energy distribution profile (Bragg's peak), for different ions is observed for two different incidence angles. The qualitative explanation for vacancy formation and its dependence on projectile mass, is elucidated using the NRT displacement model and Monte Carlo simulations (SRIM) simulations. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay between projectile mass, energy transfer by projectile ions, and vacancy formation on muscovite mica.