Irradiation induced 3-D ordered arrays of nanostructure
EMSL Project ID
6891
Abstract
The main goal of this research is to improve the scientific understanding of a spectacular phenomenon observed in irradiated materials, i.e. the formation of ordered arrays of nanoclusters1 (see Fig. 1 as an example). This new research program was proposed based on the following justifications: (1) the nanostructures observed in irradiated materials are similar to those desirable for the future development of high technologies (e.g., quantum computer, information storage and optical devices) in both structure and dimensions; (2) the fundamental mechanisms and experimental conditions for the formation of these nanostructures are still not clear, although it is believed now the phenomenon may occur in many inorganic materials under the right conditions due to its self-organized nature; (3) there are much better research facilities suitable for this research now for conducting the research now. The research will focus on the fundamental science behind the phenomenon (e.g., the role of temperature, ionizing and collisional irradiation, and the intrinsic driving force for the self-organization process) through in situ and ex situ TEM studies during or after ion and electron irradiation. Combined with ion implantation, it is anticipated that three dimensional arrays of a wide variety of nanoclusters will be produced in various kinds of target materials, that may eventually lead to important technological applications.
Irradiations with various ions (both inert gas or metal ions) of various energies (100 kV to 7.5 MeV) in a wide temperature range (RT to ~850 C) are needed.
This research project has been approved of funded by the US Department of Energy, BES (September, 2002 to February 2006).
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1. J.H. Evans, Nature 229 (1971) 403-404.
Project Details
Project type
Capability Research
Start Date
2004-02-01
End Date
2007-02-04
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members