Quantum-dot composite silicate glasses obtained by ion implantation

Ion implantation is a useful technique to obtain composite materials such as nanocluster-containing silicate glasses. Depending on the choice of the pair 'implanted atom-dielectric host', ion implantation of metals in glass gives rise to the formation of new compounds and/or metallic nanoparticles. In spite of the great interest, processes governing the chemical and physical interaction between the implanted atoms and the atoms in the host matrix are not completely understood. In this paper, metal, alloy and binary compound nanocluster formation is studied after ion implantation in silica and soda-lime glass. Particular emphasis is given to the comparison among different 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 procedures for modifying these characteristics. Recent results indicate that thermal treatments in controlled atmosphere of gold + copper double-implanted silica favor the formation of either alloy nanoclusters or copper compounds, depending on the annealing atmosphere. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.