Enhanced nitrogen diffusion induced by atomic attrition

Abstract

The nitrogen diffusion in steel is enhanced by previous atomic attrition with low energy xenon ions. The noble gas bombardment generates nanoscale texture surfaces and stress in the material. The atomic attrition increases nitrogen diffusion at lower temperatures than the ones normally used in standard processes. The stress causes binding energy shifts of the Xe 3d5/2 electron core level. The heavy ion bombardment control of the texture and stress of the material surfaces may be applied to several plasma processes where diffusing species are involved. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.