Au and Ag nanoparticles produced by ion implantation in single-crystalline $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$

Abstract

This work reports the successful formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles in $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ single-crystals by ion implantation and annealing at 550 {\deg}C. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that nanoparticles were formed after the annealing step, presenting a highly-ordered crystalline structure and conforming to a crystallographic relation with respect to the matrix: $\left(0\overline{1}0\right)_\beta \parallel \left(110\right)_{\mathrm{Ag/Au}}$ and $\left[102\right]_\beta \parallel \left[1\overline{1}2\right]_{\mathrm{Ag/Au}}$. The presence of these nanoparticles was also confirmed via absorbance measurements revealing the localised surface plasmon resonance peaks associated with these particles. Considering the multiple advantages and the versatility of metallic nanoparticles, their combination with the exceptional properties of $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ paves the way for a wide range of applications.