Composition-independent temperature induced by swift heavy ions in insulators and its relation with track formation

Abstract

A systematic study of the $R_e$-$T_m$ relation ($R_e$ = track radius, $T_m$ = melting temperature) in insulators reveals new features of track formation. A quantitative relationship is demonstrated between $R_e$ values measured in various solids when $\langle s_e\rangle$=constant ($\langle s_e\rangle$ = atomic stopping power). This effect is the consequence of a composition-independent, identical maximum temperature distribution $\Delta T(r,0)$, which is induced in various insulators in a narrow cylindrical volume close to the tracks. The uniformity ceases gradually at larger distances. $\Delta T(r,0)$ has a Gaussian shape, with a constant width w=4.5 nm, is independent of materials parameters and it can be determined experimentally by the measurement of Re in various insulators when $\langle s_e\rangle$=constant. The consequences of the experimental $\Delta T(r,0)$ distribution are discussed.