Amorphisation of Semiconductor and Elemental Metallic Nanocrystals by Ion Irradiation

Nanocrystals have many technological applications given their physical properties differ dramatically from those of bulk material. We propose to study the irradiation-induced amorphisation of semiconductor and metallic nanocrystals. While bulk-phase elemental metals cannot be amorphised by ion implantation, our preliminary results show this is achievable for metallic nanocrystals. Similarly, semiconductor nanocrystals are rendered amorphous at doses ~100 times less than required for the bulk phase. Given the nanocrystal structure governs the electrical and optical properties, we seek a fundamental understanding of the amorphisation process to enable the more effective exploitation of these materials in advanced technological applications.