Shallow implantation of 'size-selected' Ag clusters into graphite

We have investigated the implantation of AgN (N = 20–200) clusters into a graphite substrate over the range of energies (E) 0.75–6 keV using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that after implantation the silver clusters remain coherent, albeit amorphous, and rest at the bottom of an open tunnel in the graphite created by the impact. It is found that the implantation depth of the clusters varies linearly as E/N2/3. We conclude that the cluster is decelerated by a constant force proportional to its cross-sectional area. We also identify a threshold energy for surface penetration associated with elastic compression of the graphite substrate.