Ion-induced damage in graphite: A Raman study

A Raman investigation has been carried out on samples of ion irradiated highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Irradiation is carried out under ultra-high vacuum (UHV), at room temperature, with 5 keV He+, Ne+, Ar+ and Xe+ ions so as to create a damaged layer, with the doses administered being higher than those previously reported. Modern Monte Carlo simulations (SRIM 2008) are utilised to provide an insight into the ion–graphite interactions, and the effects of varying ion penetration depths are considered when analysing the observed damage.