Chemical Sputtering of Fusion Plasma-Facing Carbon Surfaces

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of the chemical sputtering of deuterated amorphous carbon surfaces irradiated by low energy deuterium atoms and molecules (⩽ 30 eV/D). Particular attention was paid to the proper preparation of the surfaces, as well as to the internal (rovibrational) state of impinging molecules. Sputtered hydrocarbons are analyzed with respect to their mass, kinetic energy and angular distribution. The sputtering yields are in good agreement with recent experimental results.