Synthesis of nanocrystalline tin oxide thin film by swift heavy ion irradiation.

Nanocrystals of tin oxide were formed in e-beam evaporated films by swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. The nucleation of nanocrystals occurred due to electronic excitation by swift heavy ion. Nanophase thin films are characterized systematically by HRTEM, GAXRD, EDX, and UV/NIS absorption techniques. Nanocrystals having size of 8 nm radius are synthesized in different substrates during swift heavy ion irradiation and without subsequent annealing. SHI induced nanocrystallization could be achieved in both crystalline and non-crystalline substrates.