Two-stage synergy of electronic energy loss with defects in LiTaO3 under ion irradiation. Issue 6 (3rd June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sellami, Neila; Crespillo, Miguel L.; Zhang, Yanwen; Weber, William J.
• Is Part Of: Materials research letters. Volume 6:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 344
• Publication Date: 2018-06-03
• Subjects: LiTaO3 -- synergy -- electronic energy loss -- amorphization -- ion tracks; Materials science -- Research -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Research; Composite materials -- Research; Materials science -- Research; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1080/21663831.2018.1455753
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2166-3831

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Understanding energy dissipation in electronic and atomic subsystems and subsequent defect evolution is a scientific challenge. Separate and combined effects of electronic and nuclear energy deposition in z-cut LiTaO3 have been investigated. Irradiation of pristine LiTaO3 samples with 2 MeV Ta ions leads to amorphization due to atomic displacement damage, described by a disorder accumulation model. While 21 MeV Si ions do not produce significant damage in pristine LiTaO3, introduction of pre-existing defects sensitizes LiTaO3 to the formation of ion tracks from the electronic energy loss by 21 MeV Si ions that induce a synergistic two-stage phase transition process. Impact statement Experimental study shows that the introduction of pre-existing defects prior to high energy irradiation sensitizes LiTaO3 to ion track formation leading to a synergistic two-stage phase transition process. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: