The first sputtering measurements of the most volatile solid hydrogenic targets are reported. Bombardment of these targets by hydrogen and deuterium ions leads to erosion predominantly via electronic transitions. The magnitude of the yield depends strongly on the particular isotope. No existing theory for this electronic sputtering can explain the large yields that range from about 100 ${\mathrm{D}}_2$/H for solid deuterium up to 800 ${\mathrm{H}}_2$/H for solid hydrogen.

• Received 8 April 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.67.2842