3. Conclusion

In this article, we describe the basic concepts involved in ion/matter interaction and present the operating principles of the associated experimental set-ups.

Through the study of the complex phenomena involved, ion implantation has led to numerous advances in the synthesis or modification of new materials.

Understanding how energy is lost as it slows down in matter has led to applications in many fields:

• medicine (e.g. prosthesis reinforcement by irradiation, very localized treatment of cancerous tumors by proton therapy);

• chemical analysis of targets (soil composition, air and water pollution, etc.);

• geology (dating for geology and art) ;

• experimental simulations of phenomena experienced...