Response of non‐stoichiometric pyrochlore composition Nd_1.8Zr_2.2O_7.1 to electronic excitations

Abstract In response of swift heavy ion (100 MeV I 9+ ) irradiation, the irradiation‐induced disordering in nonstoichiometric pyrochlore composition (Nd 1.8 Zr 2.2 O 7.1 was compared to that stoichiometric Nd 2 7 . Both compositions were prepared through auto gel‐combustion followed by sintering under identical conditions. Systematic analysis before and after irradiation performed with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, plane‐view high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. Irradiation caused amorphous phase transformation observed both except slower rate amorphization The achieved as a consequence isolated disordered track overlapping at higher fluence estimated diameter 2.73 ± 0.05 3.46 0.30 nm for , respectively, employing framework single‐ion impact model XRD results. HRTEM micrographs also revealed less prevalence modified region composed defect‐rich structure, anion‐deficient fluorite domains; 3.0 1.0 5.0 respectively. preexisting structure helps its epitaxial growth recovered from melted during rapid cooling.