Changed structure and improved operation characteristics of metals and alloys exposed to high power ion beams

The effect of high power ions beams (HPIB) on the structure of Al and Cu metals and P6M5 steel (8.5 × 10^-4% C, 5% Mo, 6% W, 4% Cr, 2% V, 72% Fe) is presented. The thickness of the modified layer in Al and Cu was 150 to 180 μm. Defects observed in the bulk of the sample were shown to increase the microhardness and abrasive wear resistance of the samples. These defects are dislocation loops and prisms of vacancy or may be of interstitial type. The current density (or total deposited energy) was found to be the parameter most strongly influencing the target modification. To investigate the near surface layers, we used positron annihilation and Auger spectroscopy. Further, we measured microhardness and abrasive wear resistance.