[en] Ion implantation is a controlled and versatile means for near-surface alloying of metals. Supersaturated solutions, metastable compounds, amorphous phases, and equilibrium alloys have been produced. Uses include the investigation of new metastable phases, characterization of alloying reactions occurring in conventional materials, and improvement of surface properties such as hardness, wear, and corrosion. A brief review is given of the physical processes occurring during ion implantation, the types of alloys which result, and representative applications