Characterising and controlling surface defects

摘要

The controlled production of surface defects by ion irradiation and nanoindentation techniques is discussed. The characterisation of novel types of defects is emphasized, among those: quasi two-dimensional dislocation dipoles following coalescence at the surface of the vacancies induced by the irradiation and 'mesas' and 'winding-loops' as dislocation configurations originated by nanoindentation. The relationship between the latter defects and the onset of crystal plasticity is examined.