Materials processing with intense pulsed ion beams

TLDR

The short range (0.1–10 µm) and high‑energy density (1–50 J cm⁻²) of these short‑pulsed (≤1 µs) intense pulsed ion beams, with ion currents of 5–50 kA and energies of 100–1000 keV, make them ideal for flash heating a target surface, similar to pulsed laser processes. We review research investigating the application of intense pulsed ion beams for the surface treatment and coating of materials. IPIB surface treatment induces rapid melt and solidification up to 10¹⁰ K s⁻¹, forming amorphous layers and nonequilibrium microstructures, while higher energy densities vaporize the surface and condense the vapor as coatings on adjacent substrates or as nanophase powders. Progress toward the development of robust, high‑repetition‑rate IPIB accelerators is presented.

Abstract

We review research investigating the application of intense pulsed ion beams (IPIBs) for the surface treatment and coating of materials. The short range (0.1–10 μm) and high-energy density (1–50 J/cm2) of these short-pulsed (⩽1 μs) beams (with ion currents I=5–50 kA, and energies E=100–1000 keV) make them ideal in flash heating a target surface, similar to the more familiar pulsed laser processes. IPIB surface treatment induces rapid melt and solidification at up to 1010 K/s causing amorphous layer formation and the producing nonequilibrium microstructures. At higher energy density the target surface is vaporized, and the ablated vapor is condensed as coatings onto adjacent substrates or as nanophase powders. Progress towards the development of robust, high-repetition rate IPIB accelerators is presented.