Basic mechanisms of modification of materials subjected to irradiation by s
hort (ns-ms), highly intense (10(5_)10(8) W/cm(2)) plasma or ion pulse beam
s (HIPIPB) are reviewed. Description of basic phenomena occurring as a resu
lt of beam-target interaction, and a representative selection of examples o
f the HIPIPB processing of semiconductors, metals, ceramics, and other mate
rials described in the literature are given. The HIPIPB processing is compa
red to the laser processing. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese
rved.