Metal modification by high-power pulsed particle beams

The state of the art in the modification of iron, steel, and titanium alloys and some metal multilayers by medium intensity (10⁶–10⁹ W cm^–2) pulsed electron and ion beams is summarized, including the contribution from the authors. Many of the processes that determine the defect structure and its properties are described and such problems as the formation of elastoplastic and shock waves, mixing of multilayers, thin film deposition, and nanophase powder synthesis are discussed. The high potential of particle beam technology — in particular, for improving the operating characteristics of materials — has been demonstrated amply by research centers worldwide.