Experimental modeling of fast neutron-beam impact on Pt using Ar+ beams

Abstract

Using the methods of field ion microscopy, we studied radiation-induced defects on an atomically clean surface and within a subsurface volume of platinum initiated by the interaction of neutron (E > 0.1 MeV) and Ar+ beams (E = 30 keV). It is shown that interaction of fast neutrons (E > 0.1 MeV, F = 6.7 × 1021 m−2, and 3.5 × 1022 m−2) with platinum leads to the same radiation damage in the volume of Pt as that produced by beams of Ar+ ions (E = 30 keV, F = 1016 ion/cm2) and is observed at a depth of about 1.5–2 nm beneath the irradiated Pt surface. Thus, we have carried out modeling of neutron impact with matter when replacing the neutron beam by an ion beam that causes the same radiation damage in the bulk of the material.