Swift heavy ion induced surface modifications in nano-crystalline Li–Mg ferrite thin films

The swift heavy ion (190 MeV Au 14+ ) induced modifications in surface morphologies of the nanocrystals of ferrite thin films have been extensively studied through theimages of atomic force microscopy (AFM). In most of the irradiated films significantfeatures like, the ditch and dike structures, have been observed through out the surface. We try to explain the observed changes on the basis of thermal spike model followed by momentum transfer inducedlateral mass transport. In addition to these changes some new andinteresting features have been noticed after irradiation in 8F and 9F ferrite thin films. These new features are attributed to sputtering phenomenon due to the presence of defects like latent tracks.