Kinetics of Electron-Beam Dispersion of Fullerite C60

TL;DR

This study investigates the physical-chemical processes during electron-beam dispersion of fullerite C60, focusing on temperature kinetics, coating growth, and charge dynamics to understand the formation of polymeric C60 films.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the stages and mechanisms involved in electron-beam dispersion of fullerite C60, highlighting the roles of charging, sublimation, and cooling in film formation.

Findings

Induction stage involves negative charging and heating of the target.

Transition stage characterized by nonstationary sublimation and charge release.

Stabilization occurs due to convection cooling and microcavity pressure decrease.

Abstract

Electron-beam dispersion of pressed fullerite C60 targets in vacuum leads to the deposition of thin films containing polymeric forms of C60. The aim of the present report is to analyze physical-chemical processes in the fullerite target during its electron-beam dispersion through the analysis of the kinetics of the radiation temperature of the target surface, the coating growth rate and the density of negative current on the substrate. It was shown that the induction stage of the process is determined by the negative charging and radiation-induced modification and heating of the target. The transitional stage is characterized by nonstationary sublimation of the target material through the pores in the modified surface layer and release of the accumulated negative charge. Stabilization of the process parameters owing to the convection cooling of the target by the sublimation products and the decrease in the pressure inside the microcavities beneath the pores leads to a quasi-stationary stage of target sublimation and deposition of a coating containing polymeric forms of C60.