MeV $\mathrm{N}{}^{+}$ and $\mathrm{N}{}_2{}^{+}$ ions were used to induce $\mathrm{Li}{}^{+}$ desorption from LiF. The contributions due to elastic atomic collisions and electronic excitation processes to the sputtering yield could be unambiguously separated. In the case of $\mathrm{N}{}_2{}^{+}$ ions, a $\mathrm{Li}{}^{+}$ yield enhancement, i.e., $Y\left(\mathrm{N}{}_2{}^{+}\right)>2Y\left(\mathrm{N}{}^{+}\right)$, was found only for the electronic process. The maximum sputtering yield was observed in a projectile velocity range where the projectile electronic energy loss still increases. These results are simultaneously explained using the radial distribution of the deposited energy rather than the electronic energy loss.

• Received 30 August 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.5904