Effects of swift heavy ions irradiation parameters on optical properties of muscovite mica

Abstract

Muscovite mica sheets with a thickness of 25 μm were irradiated by various kinds of swift heavy ions (Sn, Xe and Bi) in HIRFL. The fluences ranged from 1$\times$10^{10} ions/cm^2 to 8$\times$10^{11} ions/cm^2. The electronic energy loss (dE/dx)_e was increased from 14.7 keV/nm to 31.2 keV/nm. The band gap and Urbach energy of pristine and irradiated mica were analyzed by ultraviolet- visible spectroscopy. Periodic fringes in long wave length of the absorption spectra caused by interference phenomenon, were disturbed as the (dE/dx)_e increased. It was suggested that the chemical bonds between Tetrahedral-Octohedral-Tetrahedral (TOT) layers of mica were destroyed. Thus the smooth surface was cleaved after irradiation. The band gap was narrowed down with the increasing (dE/dx)_e and fluences. The values of Urbach energy were increased as the (dE/dx)_e and fluences gradually increased. It was indicated that the amount of defects and the proportion of amorphous structure were increased in mica irradiated under increased (dE/dx)_e and fluences. Fluences took a distinctly important role in optical properties of mica.