Non-linear effects which were introduced by the interaction of low-energy ions with the surfaces of crystal lattices were studied. It was shown, by computer simulation, that non-linear oscillations were excited in the system of coupled atomic oscillators of solids, and resulted in the formation of new collective stable structural states in crystalline lattices. The formation of atomic clusters with irregular atomic rearrangements, running autosolitons, long-lived undamped oscillations in local ranges of lattices and nm-structures of crystal lattices could occur. The specific type of new heterogeneous structure depended upon the properties of the potential which characterized the bonds between atomic oscillators, and upon the magnitude of the external influence. These effects could not be neglected in studying the structure and surface topography of thin crystal films by scanning microscopy.

Computer Simulation of the Defect Structure Formation in Crystal Lattices by Low-Energy Ion Irradiation. I.V.Tereshko, V.V.Glushchenko, A.M.Tereshko: Computational Materials Science, 2002, 24[1-2], 139-43