High density cascade effects

The objective of this article is to review the effects of high density cascades in solids. Such cascades can be separated into those occurring in which “high density” refers to either the density of atomic collision events or to the density of ionization. Both types of cascade are discussed with reference to their effects in the bulk (i.e. damage production and inert gas detrapping) and on the surface properties (i.e. sputtering, secondary ion and electron emission). The appropriate experimental data are reviewed and discussed in relation to the various proposed spike models; i.e. displacement, thermal, plasticity and ionization spikes.