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Characterization of irradiation defect structures and densities by transmission electron microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 February 2015

Marquis Kirk ,
Xiaoou Yi  and
Michael Jenkins
Marquis Kirk*
Affiliation:
Nuclear Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, USA
Xiaoou Yi
Affiliation:
Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PH, UK; and EURATOM/CCFE Fusion Association, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3DB, UK
Michael Jenkins
Affiliation:
Trinity College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3BH, UK
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: kirk@anl.gov
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Abstract

We describe aspects of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique to image and quantify the defect state following neutron or ion irradiation with an emphasis on experimental considerations. After outlining various neutron and ion irradiation scenarios, including some sample preparation suggestions, we discuss methods to measure defect densities, size distributions, structures, and interstitial or vacancy nature. The importance of the image simulations of Zhou is suggested for guidance to the most accurate quantification of the defect state. It is hoped that the usefulness of the present paper will be greatest for those experiments that compare defect states in materials after different irradiation conditions, or especially those studies designed to benchmark advanced computer model simulations of defect production and evolution. The successful simulation of the defect state in bulk samples neutron irradiated to high dose at high temperature is a goal to which the suggestions in this paper can contribute.

Type
Invited Feature Article
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 30 , Issue 9: Focus Issue: Characterization and Modeling of Radiation Damage on Materials: State of the Art, Challenges, and Protocols , 14 May 2015 , pp. 1195 - 1201
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015 

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Footnotes

Contributing Editor: Djamel Kaoumi

References

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