Transformation of surface topography of graphite and its compounds under helium ion irradiation

It is shown that under ion bombardment of surfaces of graphites and their compounds appears relief, the development of which is determined not only by sputtering but to a considerable extent by diffusion processes, stimulated by ion-induced stresses. The dependence of regularities of relief development on the surface nature and irradiation conditions is demonstrated. A conclusion is drawn on the existence of single mechanism (stresses-diffusion-sputtering) of growth of appearing details of reliefs and hollows