Transition from linear to nonlinear sputtering of solid xenon

Self-sputtering of solid xenon has been studied with molecular dynamics simulations as a model system for the transition from dominantly linear to strongly nonlinear effects. The simulation covered the projectile energy range from 20 to 750 eV. Within a relatively narrow range from 30 to 250 eV, nonlinear features such as high collision densities in the sputtering volume, amorphization of the crystalline structure, and an enhanced emission of low-energy atoms occur gradually.