Quantum-dot composite silicate glasses obtained by ion implantation

Ion implantation is a useful technique to obtain composite materials such a s nanocluster-containing silicate glasses. Depending on the choice of the p air 'implanted atom-dielectric host', ion implantation of metals in glass g ives rise to the formation of new compounds and/or metallic nanoparticles. In spite of the great interest, processes governing the chemical and physic al interaction between the implanted atoms and the atoms in the host matrix are not completely understood. In this paper, metal, alloy and binary comp ound nanocluster formation is studied after ion implantation in silica and soda-lime glass. Particular emphasis is given to the comparison among diffe rent existing approaches to the understanding of the chemical interactions in these systems. As the physical properties of these composites depend on the cluster structure, composition and size, it is important to set procedu res for modifying these characteristics. Recent results indicate that therm al treatments in controlled atmosphere of gold + copper double-implanted si lica favor the formation of either alloy nanoclusters or copper compounds, depending on the annealing atmosphere. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.