Accelerator-Based Materials Science Research Activities at IUAC Delhi

Abstract

Swift heavy ions (SHI) available with 15 MV Pelletron accelerator at Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) Delhi, formerly known as Nuclear Science Centre, NSC, are utilized for modification and characterization of materials. Out of a vast variety of research areas, the problems related to electronic sputtering, interface modifications, nano phase generation and their modification by SHIs, phase transitions, and ion beam induced epitaxial crystallization have been of major interest. An overview of the current research activities in materials science with SHIs, at IUAC, is given.

Acknowledgements

I am thankful to the Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi for financial support under the project “Intensifying Research in High Priority Areas.” The developments and upkeep of the experimental facilities deserve appreciation of A. Tripathi, R. Kumar, F. Singh, Shivakumar, S.A. Khan, P.K. Kulriya, I. Sunaliya, R.N. Dutta, D. Kanjilal, D. Kabiraj, S.R. Abhilash, P. Barua, A. Kothari, and R. Ahuja. A large number of researchers from more than sixty universities, all IITs, major research institutions have been performing the accelerator-based materials science experiments. The research scholars from some universities have taken an active role in developmental activities also. There have been and are several joint research programs with foreign universities in Germany (Munich, Stuttgart, Kiel, Darmstadt, HMI Berlin), France (Orsay, Caen), Italy (Padova), the USA (Maryland), Korea, and Singapore. I must mention that it was the vision of Prof. G.K. Mehta, who initiated the work in the field of materials science with ion beam at IUAC Delhi. I would like to thank Dr. Amit Roy, and the Director of IUAC, for encouragement for development of facilities for ion beam–based research in materials science.