Multi-directional self-ion irradiation of thin gold films: A new strategy for achieving full texture control

Post-deposition ion bombardment can be employed to convert polycrystalline films into single crystals through a process of selective grain growth. Here we report a new technique that enables selective grain growth in self-ion bombarded gold films – a system in which the formation of large single crystal domains was prevented by the occurrence of ion-induced texture rotation. Our findings suggest that the extent of the texture rotation is a function of the ion fluence and the film initial microstructure.

► Multi-directional self-ion bombardment of Au films. ► Extensive selective grain growth leads to single crystal-like films. ► Texture rotation is prevented by the multi-directional irradiation process. ► Texture rotation rate depends on the film initial defect density.