Swift Heavy Ions for Materials Engineering and Nanostructuring

Ion beams have been of increasing focus in fundamental and applied research in materials science. Development of ion beam facilities along with sophisticated devices for the characterization and analysis on nano scale has given a new direction in nanotechnology and towards tailoring desired properties in materials for their applications in various fields. A large amount of interesting research work in the direction of engineering materials properties with high energy heavy ion beams has been performed. Need was felt to have an overview of the work done in this direction by using high energy heavy ions [Swift Heavy Ions (SHI)].

The prime purpose of the book is to bring out salient features of research in materials with swift heavy ions. It will be of interest to young scholars engaged in research with swift heavy ions to focus towards specific problems in this emerging area. It has evolved from the experience gained by interacting with the large community of young researchers from various universities and research institutions in India and abroad. It was felt that because it is a relatively new area of research which is providing avenues of exploration in various directions, there is possibility of missing the directions required to focus on the emerging challenges in various areas, and that request from them for their contribution for this book may help in focussing their attention towards focussed goals. A consolidated compilation of contributions from the users of the high energy heavy ions for materials studies is being attempted here.