Nanocomposite Materials Formed by Ion Implantation

Abstract

Ion implantation has become a versatile and powerful technique for synthesizing nanometer-scale clusters and crystals embedded in the near-surface region of a variety of hosts in order to create nanocomposite materials with often unique optical, magnetic, and other properties. Here we review some of the principal features of this nanophase materials synthesis technique as well as the materials properties that are exhibited by nanocomposites created by using ion beams. Outstanding difficulties and future research directions are also discussed.