Project Number and Title: D.3.01/02. The use of ion beam techniques for analysis of light elements in thin films, including depth profiling.

Programme: D. Nuclear Science

Sub-Programme: D3.Utilisation of Accelerators and Instrumentation

Start and projected end dates: 2000 – 2003 (Final RCM held 22 to 26 September 2003)

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The elements near the beginning of the periodic table are very important for today’s modern technologies. For example, hydrogen is used to create solar cells, lithium for batteries, nitrogen for very hard cutting tools and the computer chip would not exist without the use of oxygen compounds. These so-called light elements are mainly used in thin films or in the surface of materials. Better knowledge of how to use these light elements will help;

1. To extend the useful working range and life of materials and,

2. Develop new materials for optical and electronic instruments.

Accelerators produce beams of charged particles which, when they penetrate matter, can produce a variety of reactions. From the measured reaction products, much information about the material is obtained. These nuclear techniques using accelerators, so called Ion Beam Analysis methods (IBA) provide valuable data and knowledge that are not readily available using other methods. The objective of this CRP is to develop a co-ordinated research effort between accelerator laboratories and materials science research groups to further develop and promote these nuclear methods for light elements, to apply them to emerging areas such as nanotechnology and also, to enhance the quality control and quality assurance methods.

Areas of application include reducing the corrosion and degradation of metals, glasses and polymers and new surface treatments to improve the chemical, mechanical, optical and electrical properties of materials.

With over 100 dedicated IBA accelerators around the world, nuclear education and transfer of technology in this field of light element analysis will significantly increase the utilization of facilities and the quantity and quality of knowledge for use in applied science.

Modifying the Surface

Project Number and Title: D.3.01/04. Ion beam induced surface modifications of insulators.

Programme: D. Nuclear Science

Sub-Programme: D3 Utilisation of Accelerators and Instrumentation

Start and projected end dates: 2004 - 2007 

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Material modification and the development of new advanced materials attract high attention worldwide. Research in this area is considered to be of high priority by most countries. The development of new materials has a very high impact on other important areas such as information technology, energy management (including both energy production and energy conservation issues), environmental protection, biomedicine etc..

For most applications there is a need of devices having surface layers and thin film coatings with dedicated properties and structure. Therefore, the investigation of surface layers and thin films is of increasing interest, and ion beam techniques contribute significantly in research and development of such new materials.

This CRP will strengthen the capacity of low energy accelerator laboratories for doing innovative research in material science and generate new knowledge on the properties of materials. The information will be disseminated through publications in international journals, Agency publications and at international conferences.

Project Number and Title: D3.01/05 Ion beam induced surface modifications of insulators (F1.20.16).

Programme: D Nuclear Science

Sub-Programme: D3. Utilisation of Accelerators and Instrumentation

Start and projected end dates: 2004 - 2007 

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Material modification and the development of new advanced materials attract high attention worldwide. Research in this area is considered to be of high priority by most countries. The development of new materials has a very high impact on other important areas such as information technology, energy management (including both energy production and energy conservation issues), environmental protection, biomedicine etc..

For many applications there is a need of devices having surface layers and thin film coatings with dedicated properties and structure. Therefore, the investigation of surface layers and thin films are of increasing interest, and ion beam techniques contribute significantly in research and development of such new materials.

This CRP will strengthen the capacity of low energy accelerator laboratories for doing innovative research in material science and generate new knowledge on the properties of materials. The information will be disseminated through publications in international journals, Agency publications and at international conferences.