Ion beam induced luminescence of materials

Ion beam interactions with many insulating materials produces strong luminescence and this may be collected and analysed to gain information on the defect structures present. The use of light ions such as H+ and He- with MeV energies allows penetration to a depth of several microns in most materials. The variation of ion species and energy allows precise control of ion-induced damage and ionisation within the material. This control of depth. ionisation. and damage can be superior to that of the traditional cathodo-luminescence technique and comparison with spectra from the two methods often yields differences in sensitivity to different emission bands and features. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.