Elongation of gold nanoparticles by swift heavy ion irradiation: Surface plasmon resonance shift dependence on the electronic stopping power

► We irradiated gold nanoparticles embedded in silica with swift heavy ions. ► Such treatment changes the shape of the particles, from spherical to nano-rods. ► Irradiation of the silica matrix leads to anisotropic growth, so-called hammering. ► Stress applied by the deformed silica onto the gold nanoparticles deforms them.