Core structure of latent heavy‐ion tracks in {100} LiF derived by small‐angle X‐ray scattering

Radial electron densities within 27–111 µm‐long ion damage trails, `latent ion tracks', created in {100} LiF by irradiation with GeV Pb and U projectiles, have been derived by means of small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The tracks exhibit continuous electron density decreases of 49–74% along the centers of their 2.3–3.4 nm‐diameter cores. Structural alteration under the intense ion‐deposited electronic excitation has been attributed to two successive processes: ( a ) local breakdown of the LiF lattice into fluorine molecules and Li atoms, and ( b ) release of the fluorine gas and of at least a portion of the voluminous Li atoms through the low‐density tracks.