Ion-Bombardment-Induced Structural Transformations in Oxides

Abstract

<p>In this dissertation, transmission electron microscopy, reflection electron diffraction, gas-release,and electrical-conductivity measurements have been used to study bombardment-induced structural transformations in oxides, and their implications to other non-metallic substances. Results are presented for bombardment-induced crystallization of amorphous thin films of ZrO2; bombardment-induced amorphization of crystalline pellets of TeO2, MoO3, V2O5 and Bi2O3; and high-dose formation of lower oxides with MoO3 and V2O5. Using the results of this experimental study along with information concerning 30 other solids, a thermal-spike model and a bond-type criterion are shown to be successful in predicting the behaviour of these materials under ion impact.</p>