ON THE OBSERVABILITY OF -SIH VIBRATIONAL STRETCH ON SOLID OBJECTS IN THE SOLAR-SYSTEM

In this paper we present the results of experimental studies on the development of -SiH stretching band by H+ (1.5 keV) implantation into silicon, quartz, palagonite, and feldspar. The results seem to argue against the possibility of observing asteroidal (or cometary) spectral features due to -SiH groups formed by implantation of solar wind protons in silicate surfaces. Proton implantation in silicon wafers produce in fact an observable-SiH stretching band while proton implantation in silicates fails in forming that band. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.