MeV Au2+ ions induced surface patterning in silica

► Irradiation of 1.8 MeV Au2+ ions at normal incidence on silica samples under room temperature (doses: from 5 × 1016 ions/cm2 to 2 × 1017 ions/cm2). ► Formation of periodic surface pattern with a wavelength of 1.35 μm only on samples irradiated to a dose of 1 × 1017 ions/cm2 and more. ► Surface segregation of irradiated gold occurs in samples with dose more than 1 × 1017 ions/cm2. ► Possible role of surface stresses, due to incorporation of metal atoms, in the formation of the observed periodic surface pattern.