On the deformation of spherical Au nanoparticles by slow highly charged Xe ions

We report a detailed study on the deformation of spherical Au nanoparticles (NPs) irradiated by slow highly charged ions (SHCIs) at fluence of 2 × 10¹² ions/cm². Highly charged Xe^q+ (q = 10–16) ions are attracted and selected from Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) at energy 0.55 MeV, 1.10 MeV, 1.65 MeV, 2.20 MeV, 2.75 MeV, 3.30 MeV and 3.85 MeV, respectively. The anisotropic deformation of NPs is determined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It demonstrates that Au NPs have expanded in transverse geometry which is perpendicular to incident direction. Negative correlation is determined experimentally between aspect ratio and electronic stopping power of the incoming ions. In addition, the charge state effect is also investigated for deformation of NPs. Particularly, it is verified that highly charged Xe^q+ ions are capable of deforming Au NPs essentially even at low energy regime. Given this perspective, we provide an innovative approach that SHCIs have great potential to modulate Au NPs collectively and feasibly.