Sputtering of a Au (111) surface induced by 16-keV Auₙ cluster bombardment $(n=1,2,4,8,12)$ is studied by molecular-dynamics simulation. A statistically significant picture of the materials effects induced is obtained: With the exception of Au₁ bombardment, sputtering lasts at least 8 ps, a pronounced crater is formed as a rule, and large clusters emitted late from the crater rim contribute substantially to sputtering. Sputter yield and crater size are strongly positively correlated in each individual impact event. For larger-cluster impact $(n>~4),$ fluctuations in these two quantities shrink, giving the events a macroscopic appearance.
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Colla et al. (2000) studied this question.
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