Abstract
The characteristics of a cluster beam interaction with a solid target are reviewed from the viewpoint of computer simulation. The similarity and dissimilarity of irradiation effects between single and cluster ion beams are the main emphasis of the review. The speed-range of a projectile studied is below the Bethe range (v1≤v0 Z1) but not so low, where electronic energy loss is significant. Because of the multiple collisions (in time and space) a classical molecular dynamic simulation is useful, whereas the multiplicity in energy is more significant for a molecular projectile. Here the collision stage of energy transfer from a projectile to target during the collision stage is separated from the succeeding relaxation stage. The multiplicity in the collision stage can cause molecular effects, however they are not always so significant. In the relaxation stage a somewhat enhanced effect can occur when the locally deposited energy exceeds a certain level.
