ION-BEAM MODIFICATION OF SOLIDS - TOWARDS INTELLIGENT MATERIALS

The feature of an intelligent material is the introduction of the conc ept of information science into the genuine properties and functions o f material. Therefore a material itself can fulfil combined functions such as a sensor function, a processor function, an actuator (effector ) function and a feedback-feedforward function. The development of int elligent materials is important for safety technology and human engine ering such as life prediction, real-time monitoring of accidents, emer gency measures and development of drug delivery systems (DDS). The pre sent status of ion engineering technology to support the development o f intelligent materials for synthesis of new materials or high perform ance multilayer thin films, for controlling crystallinity or compositi on and for modification of surfaces by atomic state ions or ionized cl usters is described for better understanding that ion engineering tech nology is powerful and promising for the development of intelligent ma terials. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserv ed.