Abstract
Modifications of the structure and mechanical properties in LiF crystals irradiated with MeV-energy Au ions have been studied using nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy and optical spectroscopy. The nanostructuring of crystals under a high-fluence irradiation (above 1013 ions/cm2) was observed. Nanoindentation tests show a strong ion-induced increase of hardness (up to 150–200%), which is related to the high volume concentration of complex color centers, defect aggregates, dislocation loops and grain boundaries acting as strong barriers for dislocations. From the depth profiling of the hardness and energy loss it follows that both nuclear and electronic stopping mechanisms of MeV Au ions contribute to the creation of damage and hardening. Whereas the electronic stopping is dominating in the near-surface region, the effect of elastic displacements prevails in deeper layers close to the projectile range.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
M. Toulemonde, C. Trautmann, E. Balanzat, K. Hjort, A. Weidlinger, Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 256, 346 (2007)
N. Itoh, A.M. Stoneham, Materials Modification by Electronic Excitations (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001)
N. Itoh, D.M. Duffy, S. Khakshouri, A.M. Stoneham, J. Phys., Condens. Matter 21, 474205 (2009)
K. Schwartz, A.E. Volkov, M.V. Sorokin, C. Trautmann, K.-O. Voss, R. Neumann, M. Lang, Phys. Rev. B 78, 0241120 (2008)
C. Trautmann, K. Schwartz, J.M. Costantini, T. Steckenreiter, M. Tolulemonde, Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 146, 367 (1998)
K. Schwartz, M.V. Sorokin, A. Lushchik, Ch. Lushchik, E. Vasil’chenko, R.M. Papaleo, D. de Souza, A.E. Volkov, K.-O. Voss, R. Neumann, C. Trautmann, Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 266, 2736 (2008)
J.F. Ziegler, P. Biersack, U. Littmark, The Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (Pergamon, New York, 1985). SRIM—version 2010.01
M.V. Sorokin, R.M. Papaleo, K. Schwartz, Appl. Phys. A 97, 143 (2009)
A. Lushchik, Ch. Lushchik, K. Schwartz, E. Vasil’chenko, R. Papaleo, M. Sorokin, A.E. Volkov, R. Neumann, C. Trautmann, Phys. Rev. B 76, 054114 (2007)
I. Manika, J. Maniks, K. Schwartz, J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41, 074008 (2008)
I. Manika, J. Maniks, Thin Solid Films 144, 257 (1992)
W.G. Johnston, J.J. Gilman, J. Appl. Phys. 30, 129 (1959)
A.A. Urusovskaya, G.G. Knab, Phys. Status Solidi A 80, 59 (1975)
F.R.N. Nabarro, M.S. Duesbery (eds.), Dislocations in Solids, vol. 10 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1996)
Y. Kawamata, J. Phys. 12, C502 (1976)
L.W. Hobbs, J. Phys. 34, C9-227 (1973)
I. Manika, J. Maniks, K. Schwartz, M. Toulemonde, C. Trautmann, Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 209, 93 (2003)
E.O. Hall, Proc. Phys. Soc. Ser. B 64, 747 (1951)
H. Gleiter, B. Chalmers, High-Angle Grain Boundaries (Oxford, Pergamon, 1972)
A. Müller, R. Neumann, K. Schwartz, C. Trautmann, Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 146, 393 (1998)
V. Mussi, F. Granone, T. Marolo, R.M. Montereali, C. Boragno, F. Buatier de Mongeot, U. Valbusa, Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 103116 (2006)
M. Kumar, F. Singh, S.A. Khan, A. Tripathi, D.K. Avasthi, A.C. Pandey, J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 39, 2935 (2006)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Maniks, J., Manika, I., Grants, R. et al. Nanostructuring and hardening of LiF crystals irradiated with 3–15 MeV Au ions. Appl. Phys. A 104, 1121–1128 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-011-6387-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-011-6387-z