Fracture of the Surface Layers of Alumina Ceramics under the Action of a High-Power Ion Beam of Nanosecond Duration

Abstract

The fracture of surface layers of alumina ceramic (polycor) under the action of a high-power ion beam of nanosecond duration is investigated. The characteristic features of such fracture are determined. An estimation of the thickness of breakaway fragments of the surface layer of the ceramics gives values in the range from 4 to 12 μm at single high-power ion beam irradiation with a current density of 150 A/cm2. Oxygen depletion in the surface layer of the ceramics is established. The effect of irradiation on the structural-phase state of the ceramics is considered. The possible mechanisms of the observed fracture are discussed.