Nanorod orientation control by swift heavy ion irradiation

Abstract

Highly energetic ions have been previously used to modify the shape of metal nanoparticles embedded in an insulating matrix. In this work, we demonstrate that under suitable conditions, energetic ions can be used not only for shape modification but also for manipulation of nanorod orientation. This observation is made by imaging the same nanorod before and after swift heavy ion irradiation using a transmission electron microscope. Atomistic simulations reveal a complex mechanism of nanorod re-orientation by an incremental change in its shape from a rod to a spheroid and further back into a rod aligned with the beam.