The long-range effect in ion implanted metallic materials: dislocation structures, properties, stresses, mechanisms

The results of 15 years of systematic experimental and theoretical study are given and the basic concepts of the fundamental phenomena taking place during the interaction of accelerated ions with solid crystals—a long-range effect—are developed. The long-range effect consists of a change in defect structure and/or structural-phased state in the ion-affected zone of the ion-implanted target, which is located directly beyond the implanted zone where the accelerated ions are stopped. The thickness of the ion-affected zone with microstructure modified during ion implantation varies from several up to tens of micrometers and more. The basic features of defect structures formed in the ion-affected zone are adduced. The ion implantation is accompanied by the development of considerable mechanical stresses in the implanted zone, which appear to be static, and dynamic stresses. These stresses are sufficient for the initiation of mechanisms of accumulation of dislocations in the ion-affected zone of the target. The mechanisms of the long-range effect in ion-implanted metallic materials are analyzed.