Formation of latent tracks and their effects on the magnetic properties of nanosized zinc ferrite

In present work we have studied the effect of latent tracks on the structural and magnetic properties of nanosized zinc ferrite. These tracks were created by irradiating the system with 200 MeV Ag15+ beam at the fluence of 4×1012 ions/cm2. Theoretical estimation of latent tracks shows that the track radius is ~3 nm. These tracks were observed in the system with the help of transmission electron microscope. Beside these tracks, lattice distortion also appeared in the irradiated specimen. The formation of hysteresis after irradiation is due to the presence of latent tracks in the system. The change in blocking temperature after irradiation may be attributed to the change in magnetic ordering/cation inversion. Related mechanism has been discussed on the basis of thermal spike model.