ion beam machining
Quick Summary
Ion beam machining (IBM) is a nonconventional machining method used for materials too hard or brittle for traditional tools. It involves directing a high-energy stream of charged atoms, typically from an inert gas like argon, onto a solid workpiece in a vacuum.1
The ions transfer energy and momentum to the workpiece's surface atoms, dislodging them and removing material. This process allows for the precise machining of nearly any material and is utilized in the semiconductor industry and for creating aspheric lenses. IBM is also employed for surface texturing, producing atomically clean surfaces, and altering the thickness of thin films.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
