Model calculation of ion collection in the presence of sputtering. I. Zero order approximation.

This paper presents a zero order approximation of ion collection during sputtering. Neglecting diffusion, range shortening and knock-on effects and assuming a constant sputtering yield general analytical results are developed which allow a comparison with experimental data. The accumulation of implantation profiles and the build-up of surface concentrations and collected quantities are described in detail for Gaussian range distributions. A thorough discussion of available experimental results indicates that the model is suitable for a variety of projectile-target combinations, in particular for medium mass noble gas atoms collected in high melting point targets. Application to sputtering experiments presents further evidence of a strong fluence dependence of the silicon sputtering yield. Some comments are devoted to recently reported analytical and numerical treatments of ion collection during sputtering