Some aspects of ion implantation technique in nanostructured materials

The paper discusses the synthesis of metal nanoclusters (NCs) composites, in silica matrix, in which the cluster concentration is below the percolation limit (dispersed clusters). Some case studies are presented in which ion-beam-based techniques are exploited either for the synthesis, but also for the structural or compositional modification of composites. As regards the technological properties of the studied systems, some results are presented about the nonlinear properties and energy transfer mechanisms in silica containing Erbium ions and molecular-like metal structures. (copyright 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)