|
The Ion Beams group at
Montana State University is
comprised of motivated individuals who are doing research in the
field of Condensed Matter Physics. The group routinely uses
electron and ion beams to study the composition and structure of
solid surfaces and solid/solid interfaces in advanced materials. Using
energetic beams of ions from a
Van De Graaff accelerator , combined with surface sensitive
analytical techniques, gives us a unique combination of probes to
characterize simultaneously the surface and bulk properties of
solids.
Problems of current interest include controlling the structure
of thin metal films during growth, and developing advanced materials
for solid oxide fuel cells. Techniques unique to the Van De Graaf
accelerator include the use of nuclear reactions and Rutherford
backscattering for quantitative analysis of film film thickness and
composition. | 
