Ion and electron irradiation-induced effects in nanostructured materials

Abstract

A common misconception is that the irradiation of solids with energetic electrons and ions has exclusively detrimental effects on the properties of target materials. In addition to the well-known cases of doping of bulk semiconductors and ion beam nitriding of steels, recent experiments show that irradiation can also have beneficial effects on nanostructured systems. Electron or ion beams may serve as tools to synthesize nanoclusters and nanowires, change their morphology in a controllable manner, and tailor their mechanical, electronic, and even magnetic properties. Harnessing irradiation as a tool for modifying material properties at the nanoscale requires having the full microscopic picture of defect production and annealing in nanotargets. In this article, we review recent progress in the understanding of effects of irradiation on various zero-dimensional and one-dimensional nanoscale systems, such as semiconductor and metal nanoclusters and nanowires, nanotubes, and fullerenes. We also consider the two-dimensional nanosystem graphene due to its similarity with carbon nanotubes. We dwell on both theoretical and experimental results and discuss at length not only the physics behind irradiation effects in nanostructures but also the technical applicability of irradiation for the engineering of nanosystems.

Fabrication of FeSi and Fe3Si compounds by electron beam induced mixing of [Fe/Si]2 and [Fe3/Si]2 multilayers grown by focused electron beam induced deposition

“…Therefore, we expect the sticking probability of Si 5 H 12 to be much larger than the one of F e(CO) 5 and, thus, the coverage probability of neopentasilane to be much higher than the one of iron pentacarbonyl. This picture is maintained until the flux of F e(CO) 5 Electron irradiation has been used to induce phase transformations in bulk and low dimensional systems [27,28], and to tune the physical properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes [29]. In a series of recent papers we have started to investigate the effects of electron beam irradiation on the microstructure of FEBID samples [19].…”

Tuning the electrical conductivity of Pt-containing granular metals by postgrowth electron irradiation

“…For instance, the morphology of carbon nanotubes, graphene and fullerene can be controlled by electron beam irradiation [13,14]. Moreover, electron irradiation has been successfully used to tailor mechanical and electronic properties of carbon nanomaterials [15,16]. In the present work we report on the effect of low energy electron beam irradiation on the Pt-containing deposits.…”

Sputter yield of curved surfaces

“…The effect of local surface curvature on the sputtering of non-spherical particles has not been explored nearly as well. In their review [1] Krasheninnikov and * Electronic address: urbassek@rhrk.uni-kl.de; URL: http:// www.physik.uni-kl.de/urbassek/ Nordlund give an overview of recent research on ion irradiation of nanostructured and twodimensional systems which concentrates on carbon systems such as nanotubes and graphene layers in particular. Ronning et al [13] review available experimental work on irradiation of semiconducting nanowires that focuses on ion implantation.…”

“…Sputtering of nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces has recently received increased interest [1]. Applications range from ion irradiation of dust grains in the space environment [2,3] to the sputtering of nanoparticles supported on flat surfaces [4].…”