Abstract
The microstructure and fast neutron irradiation damage of Nb 3Sn tapes produced by a liquid tin diffusion method have been studied using electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The Nb 3Sn layer consists of an outer region of clusters of Nb 3Sn grains, which have a high oxygen content, and an inner region of smaller equiaxed grains. The rate of growth of the Nb 3Sn layer and the kinetics of grain growth in these commercial tapes are compared with published results for a laboratory system and Nb 3Sn formed by the ‘bronze route’. In Nb 3Sn irradiated at 70°C to doses up to 5.4 10 23 neutrons m −2 disordered regions and dislocation loops are observed; the latter dissappeared on annealing for short times at temperatures from 300 to 750°C Nb 3Sn tapes irradiated at higher temperatures only show dislocation loops which form pairs on annealing. These results are correlated with previously determined T c measurements.
Published Version
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