Interaction of a high density neon plasma with graphite

The interaction of a high density (ne=2.5 x 1018 m-3), low temperature (Te=20 eV) neon plasma with a polycrystalline graphite sample has been studied by thermodesorption spectrometry. The results are shown to be qualitatively and quantitatively different from previous studies of graphite exposed to neon ion bombardment or to mixed hydrogen-neon plasma and exhibit some unusual features. On the other hand, the results exhibit striking similarities with those of other authors who have studied the helium ion implantation in graphite. The results are shown to be in accordance with the model used to explain the helium ion experiment taking into account the redeposited carbon layer. (orig.)