Recent Progress in Cluster Ion Beam Technology

Abstract

A brief overview for recent progress of cluster ion beams is presented in conjunction with atomistic collision dynamics, cluster size effects and nano-process developments. Unique characteristics of cluster ion beam are utilized not only for nano-processing but also metrology for organic materials. Molecular dynamics study on cluster-solid interactions and size dependence of sputtering with Ar or Cl₂ cluster ions reveal that both incident energy and chemical potential energy are effectively transfer to the surface to enhance the sputtering yield. In addition to these, less damage was remained on organic surface bombarded with cluster ions. Organic depth profiling of XPS or SIMS are realized with cluster ion beams.