Dynamic Stability of Metal-Nanocluster Composites Based on LiNbO₃ Under Heavy-Ion Bombardment

Abstract

In-situ optical measurements during implantation of 60 keV Cu⁻ ions, aimed at fabrication of metal nanoparticles embedded in LiNbO₃ single crystals, enable us to determine conditions of stability of metal nanocomposites and, accordingly, to represent evolution of nanocomposites with the help of non-equilibrium phase diagrams. The observed saturation behavior of optical absorption of nanocomposites was attributed to formation of the structures which were dynamically stable under ion bombardment. Unlike radiation resistant substrates, such as SiO₂ or Al₂O₃, in LiNbO₃ formation of the dynamically stable structures is accompanied by surface patterning.

Keywords:

• Lithium niobate
• metal nanoparticles
• nanocomposite
• ion implantation
• optical absorption

Acknowledgments

A part of this study was financially supported by the Budget for Nuclear Research of the MEXT, based on the screening and counseling by the Atomic Energy Commission, by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (Grant 07-02-96414) and Federal Agency of Education of Program “Development of the Scientific Potential of High Education” (Grant RNP 2.1.1.8272).