Radiation processes for the development, production and examination of materials

The process of doping semi-conductors by irradiating them with beams of ions, called ion implantation, has long been part of the industrial mass production of electronic solid components as the basis of the micro-electronics revolution. The use of electron and X-ray beams has made the manufacture of small silicon chips possible, so as to increase the memory and microprocessor capacity of a wafer. Using electron and γ rays, many compound materials based on polymers, have been manufactured, where only a small part of the nearly infinite number of combinations has been touched so far. The applications of radiation hardening extend from the treatment of coatings and paints for surface protection to glues and printed colours. The multiplicity of nuclear examination processes for solids and their surfaces has produced knowledge on the structure of materials, which accelerates the purposeful development of improved and new materials and makes it easier, sometimes even making it possible. Radiation methods are an important aid for quality control and assurance for material production. (orig./HP)