Nanomaterials, nanocomposites, 2D materials, and nanostructured thin films have attracted attention of researchers due to their size-dependent chemical, physical, electrical, and optical properties, which are entirely different from their bulk counterparts. Energetic ions and high-power ultrashort pulses of photons deposit large energy densities in localized regions of materials, bringing those to a nonequilibrium state. By controlling input parameters of ion and photon beams one can generate modifications in materials. For example, ion beams can be used to engineer sizes and shapes of particles embedded in silica matrix. Ultrashort laser pulses also have the capability to control size and shape of the generated nanostructures, enabling these materials to be used in a variety of applications in the fields of energy, defense/security, medicine, and catalysis.

The topics covered in this thematic issue include:

• Surface nanopatterning by energetic ion/photon beams: applications in plasmonics and spintronics
• Nanostructured thin films by sputtering processes: ion beam, DC/RF/magnetron sputtering
• Engineering of 2D materials, nanostructured thin films, and interfaces by energetic ions/photons
• Simulation of ion beam radiation damage of structured materials for nuclear reactors
• Synthesis of buried nanostructures by ion implantation
• Nanostructured materials generated by ion beam/ultrashort laser pulses
• Enhancement of sensor performance by ion, plasma, or photon irradiation
• Materials under extreme conditions using high-energy ion or photon beams
• Applications of nanomaterials generated by ion/photon beams
• Theory/modeling of the interaction of ion/photon beams with various materials

Submission deadline: February 28, 2025