Shape transformation of Sn nanocrystals induced by swift heavy-ion irradiation and the necessity of a molten ion track

R. Giulian*, F. Kremer, L. L. Araujo, D. J. Sprouster, P. Kluth, P. F.P. Fichtner, A. P. Byrne, M. C. Ridgway

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    26 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We report on the spherical to rodlike shape transformation of Sn nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in amorphous SiO2 following irradiation with 185 MeV Au ions. Consistent with previous reports for other metals, transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that under irradiation, Sn NCs larger than a critical size (11 nm) elongate parallel to the incident ion direction, while smaller particles remain spherical. Irradiation-induced NC dissolution is significant, as evident from the formation of smaller NCs in place of their original larger counterparts. Using formation conditions that yield Sn NCs at the amorphous- SiO2 /crystalline-Si interface, we show that the irradiation-induced shape change occurs only within the SiO2 layer, in the direction opposite to that of the incident ions. We suggest this demonstrates the necessity of a molten ion track and provides further evidence for an elongation process involving NC melting and flow.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number113410
    JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
    Volume82
    Issue number11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 24 Sept 2010

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