Tuning physical properties by introducing defects: Applications in magnetic data storage and sustainable energy materials

Structural or chemical defects in materials can have a tremendeous effect on their functunality, e.g. in magnetic data storage or sustainable energy materials. Ion beam techniques are ideal methods for a controlled induction of defects, e.g. in thin films since the defect production rate can be controlled by the ion flux whereas the depth of generated defects can be controlled by means of the ion energy. The analysis of the defects generated, on the other hand, can be performed by means of positron annihaltion spectroscopy, where the positrons are implanted either from a radioactive source or from a free electron laser induced nuclear reaction.
In this tutorial, basic concepts of ion implantation as well as positron annihilation spectroscopy at HZDR will be presented. In addition, the effect of ion irradiation, i.e. defect generation, on the magnetic properties of metal alloys will be explained. We will focus on the potential of ion beams for writing magnetic nano- and microstructures. Moreover, magnetic , defect and structural properties of materials for hydrogen processing will be presented.