ion bombardment

Ion bombardment involves directing a stream of energized ions—charged atoms—toward a surface or material. These high-energy ions collide with the target, transferring their energy and causing atoms near the surface to eject, rearrange, or alter structurally. This process is used in various technologies like thin-film deposition, surface cleaning, and modifying material properties, enabling precise control over surface characteristics. Essentially, ion bombardment is a way to modify or analyze surfaces by using controlled, energetic ion impacts.