Recent advances in surface studies: Ion beam analysis

Abstract

In this article the physical processes taking place when an ion beam interacts with the surface of a solid are considered. The processes of Rutherford swttering, nuclear reaction, X-ray and Auger electron emission are discussed and their potential for surface studies is assessed. In the second half of the paper are discussed a series of examples which utilize one or more of the ion—crystal interaction phenomena described above in order to bring out the advantages and limitations of the techniques.