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Insights into nanoparticle shape transformation by energetic ions using atomistic simulations

The shape of metal nanoparticles embedded in dielectric matrices influences the optical properties of the composite material. Swift heavy ion irradiation can induce a controllable shape transformation in gold and other metals embedded in amorphous silicon dioxide, where the particles elongate along the direction of the ion beam. The details of this transformation are not fully understood, but it is presumably related to nanometer-scale phase transitions induced by individual ion impacts. The phenomenon has been reproduced using atomistic simulations, although the time scale limitations and the lack of accurate interatomic models within the metal-silica interface lead unavoidably to severe simplifications. We improve the realism in the simulations with an accurate model for surface adhesion between gold and silica and by simulating the processes in the matrix between impacts. The simulations with correct adhesion show that the nanoparticles can grow in aspect ratio in the molten state even after silicon dioxide solidifies. Moreover, we demonstrate the active role of the matrix: without explicitly modeling processes in the matrix between impacts, the elongation is limited and does not reach significant aspect ratios seen in experiments. These results significantly improve the theoretical understanding of processes developing in embedded nanoparticles under swift heavy ion irradiation. The knowledge brings forward the ion beam technology as a precise tool for shaping of embedded nanostructures for various optical applications.