ION-IMPLANTATION AND IRRADIATION STUDIES USING AMORPHOUS METALS

Recent data on the use of amorphous metals (a-metals) in the study of irradiation damage and ion implantation are reviewed. In particular the following areas are discussed: (i) the use of high-dose low-energy ion implantation to produce amorphous metallic alloys at room temperature; (ii) the use of irradiation damage to study alloy production and stability including void and blister formation; (iii) topographical features developed by sputtering; and (iv) the aqueous corrosion behavior of ion-implanted amorphous alloys. The concept of defects in an amorphous solid is discussed and evidence for the production of defects following irradiation is cited. In addition to a review of published work, recent unpublished data from the author's work is included.