Key capabilities
Ion irradiation testing |
Liquid nitrogen to 1200°C, up to 1000 displacement per atom (dpa) | Nuclear fuels, fission reactor materials, fusion reactor materials, radiation detector, sensor, microelectronics devices |
Ion implantation |
Liquid nitrogen to 1200°C, 1×1013 to 1×1016 ions/cm2 | Semiconductor doping of a wide range of materials including Si, Ge, II-VI, III-V compounds, diamond, etc. |
Ion beam analysis |
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Ion Doping and Surface Modification
The lab excels in providing precisely controlled ion doping services to a wide range of semiconductor materials. With the capability of rastering beams over wafers up to 6 inches in diameter, the lab ensures uniform and accurate doping profiles. The vacuum conditions are maintained at a typical level of 1×10-7 torr or better, ensuring a clean and controlled environment for the ion implantation process.
Testing and Calibrating Sensors
Ion accelerators can be used to evaluate and calibrate various radiation detectors. It is feasible to perform in-situ characterizations during irradiation, such as resistivity measurements and the collection of charge induced by radiation. The accelerators can also be used to test microelectronic devices used in space applications.
Ion Irradiation of Radioactive Materials
The lab holds a state of Texas license that allows handling and irradiation of radioactive materials. Typical examples include 238U, 232Th, and minimized specimens of reactor-used components. With well-designed shielding and guaranteed safety measures, the lab ensures the protection of users and operators during ion irradiation experiments with radioactive materials.
Simultaneous Multiple Beam Irradiation
The lab’s capability to irradiate materials simultaneously with hydrogen, helium, and heavy ions allows researchers to investigate the combined effects of these particles on materials. This is crucial to emulate fusion reactor first wall conditions.
High-resolution RBS (the only one in US)
RBS is a powerful non-destructive analytical technique used to study the composition and structure of materials. The use of a 90-degree bending magnet and 2-D detector matrix enables the system to resolve the energy of each scattered ion with a remarkable resolution of 1 keV. The system boasts an impressive depth resolution of one angstrom (Å).
In Situ Corrosion, Irradiation, and Characterization
With a recent infrastructure grant from the US DOE, the lab has developed the capability to irradiate materials in a molten salt corrosion environment. Additionally, a high-temperature operable RBS spectrometer was designed, enabling in situ characterization of the corrosion rate.
Cutting-edge Plasma Nitridation
The lab developed its own cathodic cage plasma nitridation chamber, which allows for a much better uniformity in the nitriding process. This is particularly important for nitriding materials with complicated geometries, such as components used in space reactors. Nitridation improves wear resistance and hardness. Some alloys experience improved corrosion resistance and radiation tolerance.
Development of Ion Source and Accelerator Components
The lab possesses the capability and is actively engaged in advancing ion source and linear accelerator components to meet the industry demands. Examples include the development of a filament-free ion source, a radio-frequency quadrupole, and drift tube accelerators. These innovations aim to improve the efficiency, reliability, and performance of ion beam systems for medical isotope production and particle accelerator research.