Comparison of the structure and sizes of tracks induced by high-energy monatomic and cluster ions incident on the surface of mica

Tracks induced on a muscovite mica surface by Sn ions with energy of 1 MeV u(-1), and C-60 ions with energy of 30 keV u(-1), were studied by methods o f electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy. The irradiations were carried out at an angle of 2 degrees relative to the surface of the mica. I t is shown that Sn ion tracks and C-60 ion tracks differ both in shape and size. It is hypothesized that the differences are connected not only with t he different density of energy deposited by these ions, but also with disin tegration of C-60 ions into separate clusters after impact. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science B.V, All rights reserved.