Surface modification of solids

The use of ion beam and pulsed laser processing is reviewed for the near-surface modification of a wide range of materials. The techniques of ion implantation doping, ion beam and laser mixing, and pulsed-laser annealing are stressed with particular emphasis on the nonequilibrium aspects of these processing techniques and on new materials properties which can result. Examples are presented illustrating the utility of these techniques for fundamental materials research as well as practical surface modifications.