Anisotropic Nanostructure Formation by Vapor Etching of Ion Tracks in α-Quartz
Abstract
In this study, latent and etched ion tracks generated by high electronic excitation in alpha quartz (α-SiO2) were characterized. Single crystals of Y- and Z-cut α-SiO2 were irradiated at room temperature with 20 MeV Ni6+ ions and 40 MeV I7+ ions. The track morphology depends on the energy of the incident ion and the stopping power on the target material. Subsequent chemical vapor-etching with hydrofluoric acid solutions was conducted with varying etching times and acid concentrations. The vapor etching process produced nanostructures whose dimensions increased with etching time and etchant concentrations. Y-cut samples etched more slowly than Z-cut samples and exhibited anisotropic track etching behavior. Production of nanowells with different aspect ratios was accomplished by altering the etching time and etchant concentration. The nanowells were characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy. The etched nanostructure templates could be used in the fabrication of novel nanodevices with unique optical, thermal, and electronic properties.
Recommended Citation
M. C. Garcia Toro et al., "Anisotropic Nanostructure Formation by Vapor Etching of Ion Tracks in α-Quartz," Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, vol. 498, pp. 52 - 60, Elsevier, Jul 2021.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2021.04.013
Department(s)
Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science
Keywords and Phrases
Chemical etching; Ion beam modification of materials; Ion tracks; Nanostructures; α-Quartz
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0168-583X
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2021 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jul 2021
Comments
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Grant S2018/EMT-4437