Surface modifications in single crystal surfaces of YBa2Cu3O7 − δ upon high energy ion irradiation

Atomic force microscopy investigations on swift heavy ion (200 MeV Au) irradiated surfaces of a high Tc single crystal YBa2Cu3O7 − δ are presented. Results obtained revealed an ion-induced erosion/sputtering clearly confirming our earlier observation on grain boundary dominated thin films. Apart from sputtering, notable effects were seen with many defect structures like dikes/hillocks surrounded by craters, dikes, holes, pearl like structures and ripple formation of sub-micron undulations, all in one crystal. Results are discussed in the light of co-operative phenomena of material re-distribution mechanism related to mass transfer and crater formations.