Impact of pre-existing disorder on radiation defect dynamics in Si

The effect of pre-existing lattice defects on radiation defect dynamics in solids remains unexplored. Here, we use a pulsed beam method to measure the time constant of defect relaxation for 500 keV Ar ion bombardment of Si at 100 °C with the following two representative types of pre- existing lattice disorder: (i) point defect clusters and (ii) so-called “clamshell” defects consisting of a high density of dislocations. Results show that point defect clusters slow down defect relaxation processes, while regions with dislocations exhibit faster defect interaction dynamics. These experimental observations demonstrate that the dynamic aspects of damage buildup, attributed to defect trapping-detrapping processes, can be controlled by defect engineering.