Simulation of sputtering of deformed regions in binary alloy crystals

• Dependence of sputtering on lattice constant and binding energy variation at deformation was simulated.
• Cu87Sn13, Ni97Fe3 and Fe97Ni3 alloys which are used for coin production were studied.
• Change of sputtering after deformation is different for alloys of FCC and BCC lattice.
• Deformation increases sputtering at inclined ion incidence more than at normal.
• Obtained results allow visualization of hidden patterns introduced by deformation.

The influence of changes in lattice constant and binding energy of surface atoms of binary alloys on sputtering of deformed areas has been examined by a molecular-dynamic method. As a target we chose materials, which are used for coin manufacturing: tin bronze Cu87Sn and Ni–Fe alloys with different component concentration. Energy and spatial distributions of sputtered atoms before and after deformation are studied for mono- and polycrystals by considering segregation and heating of targets. The results obtained can be used for improving procedures for detecting deformed areas hidden under the surface of different products.