Ranges

Abstract

Range calculations were among the first applications of computer simulations of the projectile—solid interaction [10.1–6]. Whereas the first calculations were motivated by radiation damage problems, interest has shifted in recent years to implantation. This explains why the majority of publications deal with silicon; it is regarded from mainly a materials engineering point of view. Another topic is radiation damage, especially near the surface. The occurrence of blistering, caused mainly by helium bombardment of metals, triggered some publications. The topic is of some importance in the plasma-wall interaction for future fusion reactors. Other papers attempted to compare the simulated results with those of an analytical approach. Probably the most important benefit of computer simulation was the discovery of channelling by Robinson and Oen [10.2–5]. This effect explained the deeper penetration of light projectiles in single crystals measured at about the same time by Davies et al. [10.7–9]. Simulations were performed for comparison with experimental data and to develop formulae for the ranges of projectiles in solids.