Implanted-ion βNMR: A new probe for nanoscience

Abstract \{NMR\} detected by radioactive beta decay, β-NMR, is undergoing a renaissance largely due to the availability of high intensity low energy beams of the most common probe ion, Li + 8 , and dedicated facilities for materials research. The radioactive detection scheme, combined with the low energy ion beam, enable depth resolved \{NMR\} measurements in crystals, thin films and multilayers on depth scales of 2–200 nm. After a brief historical introduction, technical aspects of implanted-ion β-NMR are presented, followed by a review of recent applications to a wide range of solids.