Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the improvement of surface properties via deposition of a film. A typical film may comprise at least three, including at least four components, and typically includes at least one of, including both of, Nitrogen and Oxygen. A film may include at least one of Silicon, Phosphorous, and Boron, and one or more modifiers. For some films, a modifier may include an element having a cationic field strength greater than 10 ?{circumflex over (?)}?2. A film may have a high hardness and/or modulus. A film, may be substantially transparent to visible light. Some films have high refractive indices. Some films have low refractive indices. Some films have very low ultraviolet extinction coefficients.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the improvement of surface properties via deposition of a film. A typical film may comprise at least three, including at least four components, and typically includes at least one of, including both of, Nitrogen and Oxygen. A film may include at least one of Silicon, Phosphorous, and Boron, and one or more modifiers. For some films, a modifier may include an element having a cationic field strength greater than 10 ??-2. A film may have a high hardness and/or modulus. A film, may be substantially transparent to visible light. Some films have high refractive indices. Some films have low refractive indices. Some films have very low ultraviolet extinction coefficients.

Abstract: A method for producing a neutron detector component (1) comprising a neutron detecting boron carbide layer (2) comprising boron-10 arranged on a substantially neutron transparent substrate (3) is provided. The neutron detecting boron carbide layer (2) comprises boron-10 to a desired thickness (t), and wherein the boron-10 content of the neutron detecting boron carbide layer (2) is at least about 60 at. %.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing or growing a compound having the general formula Mn+1AXn(16) where M is a transition metal, n is 1, 2, 3 or higher, A is an A-group element and X is carbon, nitrogen or both, which comprises the step of exposing a substrate to gaseous components and/or components vaporized from at least one solid source (13, 14, 15) whereby said components react with each other to produce the Mn+1AXn (16) compound.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing or growing a compound having the general formula Mn+1AXn(16) where M is a transition metal, n is 1, 2, 3 or higher, A is an A-group element and X is carbon, nitrogen or both, which comprises the step of exposing a substrate to gaseous components and/or components vaporized from at least one solid source (13, 14, 15) whereby said components react with each other to produce the Mn+1AXn (16) compound.