Ion Beam-Based Projects for Undergraduate Students

We selected appropriate projects requiring ion beam materials analysis and surface modification of materials by ion beams as undergraduate capstone projects at the Fayetteville State University Department of Chemistry and Physics. we partnered with the Army Research Laboratory to facilitate completion of these projects using their laboratory facilities. Projects highlighted in this presentation are: A) changes in the surface hardness of silica implanted by MeV ions, B) a study of carbon "grafoil" surfaces C) measurement of heavy element content on the surface of polymeric toys; and D) changes in the optical absorption properties of silica implanted with MeV metallic ions. Students were successful in completing their course requirements and learning about ion beam accelerators, analysis and surface modification by ion beams, as well as learning about many other complementary techniques.