Molecular erosion of ice by keV ion bombardment

Abstract
High erosion has been detected during the bombardment of ice (H2O and D2O) at LN2 temperature by helium and argon beams. In the range 20–100 keV, the erosion yield increases with the energy and mass of the impinging ions. The eroded particles have been analysed by a quadrupole mass spectrometer and the main component is formed by H2 (or D2) H2O (or D2O) and O2 molecules.