Computer simulation of the defect structure formation in crystal lattices by low-energy ion irradiation

The present paper is aimed at studying nonlinear effects induced by the interaction of low-energy ions with the surface of crystal lattices. We showed by a computer simulation that nonlinear oscillations were excited in the system of coupled atomic oscillators of solids, which resulted in the formation of new collective stable structural states in crystal lattices. The formation of atomic clusters with irregular atomic rearrangements, running autosolitons, long-lived undamped oscillations in local ranges of lattices and nanometrical structures of crystal lattices can occur. The specific kind of these new heterogeneous structures depends on the properties of the potential characterizing bonds between atomic oscillators and the magnitude of the external influence. These effects cannot be neglected in studying the structure and surface topography of thin crystal films by scanning microscopy.