Electron and ion beam machine developed by scientists from Tomsk opens new opportunities for surface engineering of materials

A team of researchers from the Tomsk Scientific Center and the Institute of High-Current Electronics, both part of the Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), has developed a compact electron and ion beam processing system named Pulsar. This integrated platform allows for the simultaneous application of three advanced material processing techniques – electron beam treatment, ion beam irradiation, and magnetron sputtering – within a single production cycle. When used in combination, these processes can offer wide opportunities for surface engineering of complex alloys. By enabling fine control over the physical and chemical properties of treated surfaces, Pulsar has much to offer when it comes to aerospace and mechanical engineering, medical equipment, electronics, and tooling.

– The key advantages of this system are its compact design, rapid processing capabilities, and precise control over operational parameters, – explains Vsevolod Petrov, Junior Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Advanced Technologies, Tomsk Scientific Center SB RAS. – It allows for the development of a broad range of surface modification techniques, brittle and non-conductive materials are no exception here. Additionally, the processed samples are ready for structural analysis straight out of the machine, which is crucial for cutting-edge materials research.

Within the system’s vacuum chamber, samples are mounted on a rotating round platform controlled via a robotic manipulator. During operation, the surface undergoes a sequence of modifications: electron and ion beams alter the microstructure, while magnetron sputtering enables the deposition and mixing of thin films with the substrate. The Pulsar system features a built-in electron gun and power supply. The workflow is fully automated, which significantly reduces processing times compared to larger installations and makes it easier to pin down an optimal set of treatment parameters much faster.

Given its versatility and performance, the Pulsar system holds strong potential for deployment in other scientific institutions and research facilities engaged in advanced materials science.

© TSC SB RAS Press Center