Direct comparison of electron and self-ion damage in aluminum as a fusion neutron simulation study

Abstract

The microstructural changes in aluminum both by electron and self-ion irradiations have been observed in-situ within the same grain of the specimen. Electron irradiation is found to produce denser but smaller loops than Al + ion irradiation. Defect accumulation near dislocations and loop denuded zone near grain boundaries are observed in the case of Al + ion irradiation but not in the case of electron irradiation. The relation of microstructural changes with dose (dpa) is remarkably different between the two irradiations. This indicates an inadequacy of the unit of dpa as a correlation parameter. In addition, the effects of irradiation have been investigated on a quenched specimen which contains vacancy type dislocation loops. These loops shrink continuously by electron irradiation, whereas they crumble by Al + ion irradiation.