Formation of nanoparticles in the surface layer of stabilized ZrO2 under ion irradiation

The transmission spectra of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) single crystal s irradiated with Zr ions to various doses were measured. The strong absorp tion between 400 and 650 nm was ascribed to metallic nanoparticles formed i n YSZ under ion irradiation. Properties of the nanoparticles forming under irradiation with He and Zr ions were compared. In both cases, there is a th reshold dose for nanoparticle formation. At the same time, the difference i n electrical properties between the samples irradiated with He and Zr ions suggests that different microscopic mechanisms are responsible for nanopart icle formation. Depending on irradiation conditions, the nanoparticle prope rties may be similar to or different from those of metallic Zr, which can b e explained by the particular character of nanoparticle formation in YSZ.