Abstract
ABSTRACT Employing small-angle X-ray scattering, we have confirmed that tracks along wakes of GeV heavy ions in polyimide possess a porous structure. Moreover, specific free volume of ∼ 20 nm3 per nm of track length, independent of track length, has been revealed along 5.5-nm-diameter 25 to 125 μm long tracks created by 2.19 GeV Au ions. Structural alteration involves, undoubtedly, highly-efficient material expulsion, and is attributed to a confined ion-induced radiolysis followed by removal of gaseous and volatile degradation products, most likely through the low-density tracks. Porosity enables selective track etching, doping, coating, or filling, which make tracks useful for nanotechnological applications.
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