Analysis of PF surfaces and interfaces using nuclear analytical methods

The application of nuclear analytical methods on surface and interface study is presented. Two topics are included in the presentation - polymer-metal interaction studies and study of single-crystalline structures using RBS-channeling method. Diffusion of Ag atoms in polyethyleneterephtalate (PET) was studied using Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) and Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis (ERDA). The samples were prepared by deposition of Ag thin layers on polymer surface using CVD and diode sputtering techniques. Faster diffusion of Ag atoms was observed from non-compact Ag layers prepared by diode sputtering than from those prepared by CVD technique. The samples of erbium doped lithium niobate (Er:LiNbO3) were prepared by standard Czochralski method and treated by Annealed Proton Exchange (APE) procedure to create planar wave-guide for further optical application. The position of Er atoms in the crystal lattice of pristine and APE treated Er:LiNbO3 samples were studied by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS)-channeling method. The Er3+ ion position in the pristine and the APE treated Er:LiNbO3 samples are compared.