Defect and track formation in solids irradiated by superhigh-energy ions

The state-of-the-art of research into processes and mechanisms of defect and track formation in materials irradiated by fast ions is reviewed. It is shown that the nature and morphology of tracks depend on the type and structure of the material and on the amount of energy density transferred to its electron subsystem. It is also shown that the relaxation of high electronic excitations dominates the track formation process. Discontinuous track formation mechanisms and those underlying the migration of atoms and the channeling of ions in tracks are discussed.