Evolution of microstructure and crack pattern in NiO thin films under 200 MeV Au ion irradiation

NiO thin films grown on Si (100) substrate by electron beam evaporation method and sintered at 700 °C were irradiated with 200 MeV Au¹⁵⁺ ions. The fcc structure of the sintered films was retained up to the highest fluence (1×10¹³ ions cm^?2) of irradiation. However the microstructure of the pristine film underwent a considerable modification with increasing ion fluence. 200 MeV Au ion irradiation led to compressive stress generation in NiO medium. The diameter of the stressed region created by 200 MeV Au ions along the ion path was estimated from the variation of stress with ion fluence and found to be ～11.6 nm. The film surface started cracking when irradiated at and above the fluence of 3×10¹² ions cm^?2. Ratio of the fractal dimension of the cracked surface obtained at 200 MeV and 120 MeV (Mallick et al., 2010a) Au ions was compared with the ratio of the radii of ion tracks calculated based on Coulomb explosion and thermal spike models. This comparison indicated applicability of thermal spike model for crack formation.     

Effect of swift heavy ion irradiation on ethylene–chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer

The swift heavy irradiation induced changes taking place in ethylene–chlorotrifluoroethylene (E–CTFE) copolymer films were investigated in correlation with the applied doses. Samples were irradiated in vacuum at room temperature by lithium (50 MeV), carbon (85 MeV), nickel (120 MeV) and silver (120 MeV) ions with the fluence in the range of 1×10¹¹–3×10¹² ions cm^?2. Structural and thermal properties of the irradiated as well as pristine E–CTFE films were studied using FTIR, UV–visible, TGA, DSC and XRD techniques. Swift heavy ion irradiation was found to induce changes in E–CTFE depending upon the applied doses.     

Structural modifications of swift heavy ion irradiated PEN probed by optical and thermal measurements

The effects of swift heavy ion irradiation on the structural characteristics of Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) were studied. Samples were irradiated in vacuum at room temperature by lithium (50 MeV), carbon (85 MeV), nickel (120 MeV) and silver (120 MeV) ions with the fluence in the range of 1×10¹¹–3×10¹²  ions cm⁻². Ion induced changes were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra red (FT-IR), UV–visible spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Cross-linking was observed at lower doses resulting in modification of structural properties, however higher doses lead to the degradation of the investigated polymeric samples.     

Response of CR39 detector to 5 A GeV Si14+ ions and measurement of total charge changing cross-section

In the present work, response of CR39 track etch detector was obtained by cone-height measurement technique. CR39 track etch detector was used to identify the incident charged particles and their fragments by the measurements of cone-height of tracks using an optical microscope DM6000 M and automated image analyzer system installed with Leica QWin Plus software. The CR39 detector was calibrated and the response points were fitted with a linear relation and all the points are within the limits of the experimental errors. The charge resolution of the detector was calculated to be 0.2e. The response function is obtained and fitted with a linear relation which is good throughout Z/β=6.1–14.1. The experimental value of the total charge changing cross-section of 5 A GeV Si¹⁴⁺ ion beam in polyethylene and CR39 combined target is σ_tot=(734±128) mb. The total charge changing cross-section is compared with the experimental results of others based on cone base-area measurement technique and also fitted by the Bradt–Peters geometrical cross-section.     

Measurement of the local temperature in an ion track using low-dimensional quantum confinement structure

We measured the local temperature in an ion track utilizing fast exciton recombination in (C₃H₇NH₃)₂PbBr₄. We obtained the local temperatures of 1000–1500 K for 1.0 MeV H⁺, 2.0 MeV H⁺ and He⁺, and the local temperature was found to be an increasing function of the linear energy transfer. Furthermore, the measured local temperature increased with increasing ion dose, which is attributed to the diffusion of the phonons in an ion track.     

Water radiolysis with heavy ions of energies up to 28 GeV.: 1. Measurements of primary g values as track segment yields

Water radiolysis has been investigated with heavy ions having energies up to 28 GeV provided from the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS). Beams of ⁴He²⁺, ¹²C⁶⁺, ²⁰Ne¹⁰⁺, ²⁸Si¹⁴⁺, ⁴⁰Ar¹⁸⁺ and ⁵⁶Fe²⁶⁺ with respective energies of 150, 400, 400, 490, 500 and 500 MeV/u corresponding LET values of 2.2, 13, 30, 54, 92 and 183 eV/nm, respectively, were taken for the irradiation. The LET changes in sample solutions can be neglected due to their high energies for the irradiation of 1-cm cells. Primary g values have been determined for three important products, hydrated electron (e⁻_aq), hydroxyl radical (·OH), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as track segment yields (differential yields) under the conditions of neutral pH.With increasing LET, the g values of e⁻_aq and ^·OH decrease from 2.4 and 2.6 in ⁴He²⁺ radiolysis to 0.9 and 1.1 (100 eV)⁻¹ in ⁵⁶Fe²⁶⁺ radiolysis, respectively. It was also found that the primary g value of e⁻_aq is smaller than that of ·OH for any type of ion beam. For the ¹²C⁶⁺ beam, other energies such as 290, 220, 135 MeV/u were taken for the irradiation to investigate the effects of type or atomic number of ions on the measured yields. Furthermore, effects of dissolved oxygen on enhancement of H₂O₂ production have also been investigated with aerated NaNO₃ solutions. The presence of dissolved oxygen caused 15–35% enhancement in H₂O₂ yields for all beams. In addition, the results of the present work were compared with reported track segment yields.     

Proton (3 MeV) and copper (120 MeV) ion irradiation effects in low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was irradiated with proton (3 MeV) and copper (120 MeV) ions to analyze the induced modifications with respect to optical and structural properties. In the present investigation, the fluence for proton irradiation was varied up to 2×10¹⁵ protons cm⁻², while that for copper beam was kept in the range of 1×10¹ to 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻² to study the swift heavy ion-induced modifications in LDPE. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were utilized to study the induced changes. The analysis of UV–vis absorption studies reveals that there is decrease of optical energy gap up to 43% on proton irradiation (at 2×10¹⁵ ions cm⁻²), whereas the copper beam (at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻²) leads to a decrease of 51%. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of unsaturations due to vinyl end groups in the irradiated sample. The formation of OH and CO groups has also been observed. XRD analysis revealed that the semi-crystalline LDPE losses its crystallinity on swift ion irradiation. It was found that the proton beam (2×10¹⁵ ions cm⁻²) decreased the crystallite size by 23% whereas this decrease is of 31% in case of the copper ion-irradiated LDPE at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻².     

Cross-sections for formation of 99mTc through natRu(n,x) 99mTc reaction induced by neutrons at 13.5 and 14.8 MeV

The cross-sections for formation of metastable state of ⁹⁹Tc (^99mTc, 140.511 keV, 6.01 h) through ^natRu(n,x)^99mTc reaction induced by 13.5 MeV and 14.8 MeV neutrons were measured. Fast neutrons were produced via the ³H(d,n)⁴He reaction on the K-400 neutron generator. Induced gamma activities were measured by a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer with a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Measurements were corrected for gamma-ray attenuations, dead time and fluctuation of neutron flux. Data for ^natRu(n,x)^99mTc reaction cross sections are reported to be 9.6±1.5 and 9.2±1.1 mb at 13.5±0.2 and 14.8±0.2 MeV incident neutron energies, respectively. Results were compared with the data by other anthors.     

Simultaneous removal of copper(II), lead(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) from aqueous solutions by multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used successfully for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution. Characterization techniques showed the carbon as nanotubes with an average diameter between 40 and 60 nm and a specific surface area of 61.5 m² g^?1. The effect of carbon nanotubes mass, contact time, metal ions concentration, solution pH, and ionic strength on the adsorption of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) by MWCNTs were studied and optimized. The adsorption of the heavy metals from aqueous solution by MWCNTs was studied kinetically using different kinetic models. A pseudo-second order model and the Elovich model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The mechanism of adsorption was studied by the intra-particle diffusion model, and the results showed that intra-particle diffusion was not the slowest of the rate processes that determined the overall order. This model also revealed that the interaction of the metal ions with the MWCNTs surface might have been the most significant rate process. There was a competition among the metal ions for binding of the active sites present on the MWCNTs surface with affinity in the following order: Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Pb(II) > Cd(II).     

Novel polysulphonates and poly(sulphonate-co-carbonate) polymers for nuclear track detection

Preparation of homopolymer from diethylene glycol bis(allyl sulphonate) (DEAS) and its several copolymers with allyl diglycol carbonate (ADC) and their preliminary evaluation as nuclear track detector is described. The monomer is synthesized by reacting diethylene glycol with allyl sulphonyl chloride in presence of pyridine as a base. Spectral characteristics of the monomer are also given for the first time. The designed polymers were successfully tested for detection of ²³⁹Pu alpha particles and ²⁵²Cf fission fragment tracks after etching with 6 N NaOH at 70 °C. Some of the polymers prepared showed even better sensitivity than (SR-86)(20) track detectors for track detection properties. The polymers are also compared with commercial CR-39 track detectors for its track detection properties.     

Microstructural modifications in swift ion irradiated PET

Polyethylene terephthalte (PET) was irradiated with carbon (70 MeV) and copper (120 MeV) ions to analyze the induced modifications with respect to optical, structural and thermal properties. In the present investigation, the fluence for carbon irradiation was varied from 1×10¹¹ to 1×10¹⁴ ions cm⁻², while that for copper beam was kept in the range of 1×10¹¹ to 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻². UV–vis, FTIR, XRD and DSC techniques were utilized to study the induced changes. The analysis of UV–vis absorption studies reveals that there is decrease of optical energy gap up to 10% on carbon ion irradiation (at 1×10¹⁴ ions cm⁻²), whereas the copper beam (at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻²) leads to a decrease of 49%. FTIR analysis indicated the formation of alkyne end groups along with the overall degradation of polymer with copper ion irradiation. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the semi-crystalline PET losses its crystallinity on swift ion irradiation. It was found that the carbon beam (1×10¹⁴ ions cm⁻²) decreased the crystallite size by 16% whereas this decrease is of 12% in case of the copper ion irradiated PET at 1×10¹³ ions cm⁻². The loss in crystallinity on irradiation has been supported by DSC thermograms.     

A study of the photodeposition over Ti/TiO2 electrode for electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions

Here we reported that UV light irradiation can significantly enhance sensitivity of Ti/TiO₂ electrode for determination of trace heavy metal ions (such as Cu^2 +, Pb^2 + and Cd^2 +) owing to the photodeposition of metal ions on the surface of electrodes. The sensitivity of heavy metal ions can be selectively enhanced over the Ti/TiO₂ electrode, which is attributed to matching between potential of heavy metal ions and the position of the conduction band of TiO₂.     

Amorphous iron phase formation in swift heavy ion irradiated electrodeposited iron thin films

⁵⁷Fe conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy, SEM, EDAX, XRD and AFM measurements were used to study the radiation effect of 246 MeV Kr ions on electrochemically deposited ⁵⁷Fe thin films. Amorphous iron phase formation has been shown to occur for the first time in electrodeposited iron thin films due to the irradiation with swift heavy ions.     

Cross-sections for formation of 195mPt through natPt(n,x)195mPt reaction over neutron energy range 13–15 MeV

The cross-sections for formation of metastable state of ¹⁹⁵Pt (^195mPt, 98.85 keV, 4.02 d) through ^natPt(n,x)^195mPt reaction induced by 13.5–14.6 MeV neutrons were measured. Measurements were corrected for gamma-ray attenuations, random coincidence (pile-up), dead time and fluctuation of neutron flux. The data for ^natPt(n,x)^195mPt reaction cross-sections are reported to be 438±46, 399±44 and 372±43 mb at 13.5±0.2, 14.1±0.1 and 14.6±0.2 MeV incident neutron energies, respectively.     

Ordered nanopore boring in silicon: Metal-assisted etching using a self-aligned block copolymer Au nanoparticle template and gravity accelerated etching

Metal-assisted etching into Si (1 0 0) surfaces can be performed in a highly defined and regular arrangement using self-organized patterns of single-size gold catalyst particles that are block polymer templated on Si surfaces. We show that small size catalyst particles (diameter ≈10 nm) can be forced to maintain straight etch tracks perpendicular to the surface using adequate centrifugal gravity force. This allows the creation of highly ordered uniform and synchronized pore boring into the substrate with single pore diameters in the 10 nm range.     

Cross-sections for (n,2n), and (n,α) reactions on 55Mn isotope around neutron energy of 14 MeV

Cross sections for (n,2n) and (n,α) reactions on the Manganese isotope have been measured at the neutron energies of 14.1 and 14.7 MeV using activation method with the monitor reaction ²⁷Al(n, α)²⁴Na. This measurement was carried out by γ-detection using a coaxial HPGe detector. High-purity natural Manganese powder (99.9%) was used to produce the samples. The fast neutrons were produced by T(d, n)⁴He reaction. The results obtained are compared with the previous data.     

Investigation of the dynamics of radiolytic formation of ZnO nanostructured materials by pulse radiolysis

ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized by radiolytic methods. A Cobalt-60 γ-source and a 7 MeV linear electron accelerator (LINAC) was used for the radiolysis experiments. Reducing agent like hydrated electron (e_aq⁻), which is produced in radiolysis of water, was used to synthesize ZnO nanostructure materials from zinc salt. 1 M tert-butanol was used to quench the primary oxidizing radical like hydroxyl radical (OH) radiolytic water solution. Doses of about 80–130 kGy were used to perform radiolysis experiments in the present investigation. Time-resolved pulse radiolysis has been used to monitor the transient species involved in the formation of ZnO nanostructures by monitoring at different wavelengths. A scheme for the formation of the ZnO nanostructured materials by the radiolytic method has been described. The formation of ZnO nanostructures was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements indicated that the size of the nanostructures is in the range of 6–8 nm, which is in agreement with that obtained from XRD. It is interesting to note that ZnO nanostructured materials, as prepared by the radiolytic method, exhibit strong room-temperature fluorescence.     

Investigation of O7+ swift heavy ion irradiation on molybdenum doped indium oxide thin films

Molybdenum (0.5 at%) doped indium oxide thin films deposited by spray pyrolysis technique were irradiated by 100 MeV O⁷⁺ ions with different fluences of 5×10¹¹, 1×10¹² and 1×10¹³ ions/cm². Intensity of (222) peak of the pristine film was decreased with increase in the ion fluence. Films irradiated with the maximum ion fluence of 1×10¹³ ions/cm² showed a fraction of amorphous nature. The surface microstructures on the surface of the film showed that increase in ion fluence decreases the grain size. Mobility of the pristine molybdenum doped indium oxide films was decreased from ～122 to 48 cm²/V s with increasing ion fluence. Among the irradiated films the film irradiated with the ion fluence of 5×10¹¹ ions/cm² showed relatively low resistivity of 6.7×10^?4 Ω cm with the mobility of 75 cm²/V s. The average transmittance of the as-deposited IMO film is decreased from 89% to 81% due to irradiation with the fluence of 5×10¹¹ ions/cm².     

Gas separation in nanoporous membranes formed by etching ion irradiated polymer foils

Polymer membranes with pores with radii in the range of several 10–100 nm were formed by irradiating polyimide foil with highly energetic heavy ions and etching the latent ion tracks with hypochlorite. The aerial density of the pores could be chosen up to an upper limit of 10⁸ pores cm^?2, at which too many pores start to overlap. The straight cylindrical pores were tested for their gas permeation and gas separation performance. With a gas mixture of CO and CO₂ as model system, gas chromatographic measurements showed that CO penetrates faster through the membrane than CO₂, leading to gas separation. This is possible because the mean free path of the molecules is in the order of the pore radius, which is in the transition flow region close to molecular flow conditions.