CEMS and SEM studies of the ion-beam mixed Ni−Sn and Al−Sn systems

Metallic¹¹⁹Sn was vapour deposited on Al and Ni substrates to form layers about 40nm thick and subsequently irradiated with 100keV Xe⁺ at fluences 1, 5 and 10·10¹⁵ Xe⁺/cm². Irradiation with 100keV N⁺ at 5·10¹⁶N⁺/cm² fluence was also accomplished on an Al sample on which a layer of 100nm¹¹⁹Sn was previously electrodeposited. Surface evolution of the deposited layers due to irradiation has been observed by SEM and loss of Tin due to sputtering has been evidenced by EDX microanalysis. Changes of chemical structure at the irradiated surfaces have been followed by CEMS: β-Sn, SnO, SnAl₂O₄, SnO₂ and SnAl₂O₅ or β-Sn, dissolved Tin in Nickel, SnO₂, Ni₃Sn and Ni₃Sn₂ phases were recognized on the surface of Aluminium and Nickel substrates respectively.