Formation of mixed crystals from two metals by ion beam mixing

Ion-beam mixing of thin film systems of Cu-Ag, Cu-Au and Cr-Fe was studied using irradiation with energetic Xe- and Ar-ions at room temperature. Multi-layered samples consisting of thin layers of two elements were prepared by evaporating on inert substrates. The irradiated systems were investigated using high voltage electron microscopy, selected area diffraction and Rutherford backscattering. Metastable solid solutions of Cu-Ag are formed across the entire composition range. After ion-beam mixing and thermal treatment of the Cu-Au system superlattices have been found. CrFe-martensite and a σ'-CrFe highpressure phase are formed by irradiation of Cr-Fe systems. The σ'-CrFe precipitations are oriented perpendicular to the ion beam and perpendicular to each other. (author)