The effect of ion-beam-induced atomic mixing and subsequent thermal transformations at the Fe:${\mathrm{SiO}}_2$ (single crystal) interface have been investigated by means of conversion-electron Mössbauer spectroscopy and small-angle x-ray-diffraction measurements. The ion-beam-mixed sample in the as-mixed state shows the presence of the ${\mathrm{Fe}}_7$${\mathrm{SiO}}_{10}$ phase along with magnetic Fe-Si-O complexes. The mixed state undergoes structural modifications upon annealing at 450 °C for several hours leading to an increase in ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$-to-${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$ ratio. The as-deposited sandwich structure upon annealing at 450 °C leads to the formation of metal island structures.

• Received 6 December 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.40.700