Comparative characterization of the irradiation effects induced in metallic glasses by pulsed laser and alpha particle beams

Nd:YAG laser (λ=532 nm, τ=8 ns, Φ=30 J/cm2, ν=10 Hz) induced transformations in Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2 metallic glass were characterized by transmission and conversion electron Moessbauer spectroscopy, hysteresis loops and AC susceptibility measurements. The radiation-driven changes were further compared with alpha particle beam irradiation effects (W=2.8 MeV, Φ=1016 and 1017 cm-2) in the same amorphous material. Pulsed laser irradiation of Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2 metallic glass was found to induce magnetic anisotropy, surface oxidation, onset of crystallization, slight increase in the saturation magnetic moment and changes in the imaginary susceptibility component. Alpha particle beam irradiation of Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2 metallic glass caused partial crystallization of the bulk of the specimen, total crystallization of the surface, as well as dose-dependent changes in the saturation magnetic moment, hysteresis and real susceptibility component. (orig.)