Modulating phononic landscapes: The role of silicon ion bombardment in tailoring Si/Si+Ge and SiO2/SiO2+Ge superlattices for advanced neutron superreflector applications

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of silicon ion bombardment on the phononic properties of Si/Si+Ge and SiO2/SiO2+Ge superlattices to enhance neutron superreflector technology. Through precise ion implantation and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), we observed significant alterations in transverse and longitudinal optical phonon modes. The Si/Si+Ge system exhibited notable blueshifts and intensity changes, while SiO2/SiO2+Ge showed increased lattice disorder and peak broadening. These findings highlight ion bombardment's potential to optimize phononic landscapes for improved nuclear reactor safety and efficiency via advanced phonon engineering.