Theoretical Ion Sputtering Yields from Loose Powders using a Multiscale Monte Carlo Approach

Theoretical Ion Sputtering Yields from Loose Powders using a Multiscale Monte Carlo Approach
Sebastien Verkercke, Deborah Berhanu, Caixia Bu, Benjamin Clouter-Gergen, Francois Leblanc, Jesse R. Lewis, Liam S. Morrissey, Daniel W. Savin
arXiv:2603.20251v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Ion sputtering from loose powders remains poorly understood despite its relevance to planetary science and industry. We developed a multiscale Monte Carlo model to simulate sputtering from powders, using a higher-fidelity approach for the target geometry compared to voxel-based methods. Simulating Kr+ ions impacting Cu powders and flat slabs, we show that sputtering from loose powders differs markedly from that of flat slabs or rough surfaces. The main differences are: (1) for incident angles a > 0 degree relative to the bulk normal, the escaping sputtering yield is dominated by backward-directed ejecta for all ion energies; (2) for a 0.49. These provide a potentially universal fitting function of the absolute doubly-differential escaping sputtering yield from loose powders.arXiv:2603.20251v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Ion sputtering from loose powders remains poorly understood despite its relevance to planetary science and industry. We developed a multiscale Monte Carlo model to simulate sputtering from powders, using a higher-fidelity approach for the target geometry compared to voxel-based methods. Simulating Kr+ ions impacting Cu powders and flat slabs, we show that sputtering from loose powders differs markedly from that of flat slabs or rough surfaces. The main differences are: (1) for incident angles a > 0 degree relative to the bulk normal, the escaping sputtering yield is dominated by backward-directed ejecta for all ion energies; (2) for a 0.49. These provide a potentially universal fitting function of the absolute doubly-differential escaping sputtering yield from loose powders.