On the mechanism of the sputtering of fine-grained targets by heavy multicharged ions

The analytical expression for the sputtering yield of fine-grained targets by heavy multicharged ions derived previously by the authors is discussed. Experimental yields are given for the sputtering of fine-grained islet-like gold layers and for bulk gold foil by 45–65 MeV fission fragments. A comparison of the experimental yields with those obtained by calculation is made. Existing models of sputtering of targets by heavy multicharged ions are considered. Some assumptions on the sputtering mechanism are made.