Evidence for atomic recondensation on ion-bombarded solid surfaces

Direct evidence is presented that vapor-phase crystal growth is induced on solid surfaces bombarded with inert-gas ions. Surface cones formed on AlGaAs/GaAs superlattice targets exposed to a few keV Ar⁺ ions were characterized as polycrystalline cone tips protruding beyond the original target surface. Fine particles were also found to grow in close vicinity to the cone evolution sites, thus demonstrating that target atoms ejected from the impact area condensed into polycrystalline cone tips and particles, as a result of an enhanced particle supply to the projected areas. Since this finding is not within the current knowledge of ion-solid interactions, a new theoretical approach is required for its interpretation.