BSTRACTUnderstanding energy dissipation in electronic and atomic subsystems and subsequent defect evolution is a scientific challeng

e. Separate and combined effects of electronic and nuclear energy deposition in z-cut LiTaO

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have been investigated. Irradiation of pristine LiTaO

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samples with 2 MeV Ta ions leads to amorphization due to atomic displacement damage

described by a disorder accumulation model. While 21 MeV Si ions do not produce significant damage in pristine LiTaO

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introduction of pre-existing defects sensitizes LiTaO

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to the formation of ion tracks from the electronic energy loss by 21 MeV Si ions that induce a synergistic two-stage phase transition process.

Impact statement

Experimental study shows that the introduction of pre-existing defects prior to high energy irradiation sensitizes LiTaO

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to ion track formation leading to a synergistic two-stage phase transition process.