Modulating Phononic Landscapes: The Role of Silicon Ion Bombardment in Tailoring Si/Si+Ge and SiO2/SiO2+Ge Superlattices for Advanced Neutron Superreflector Applications

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