The Effect of Preinjected Gas Atoms on Depth Dependent Damage in Self-Ion Irradiated Nickel

The effect of interstitial gas atoms on cavity formation in self-ion irradiated nickel specimens is studied utilizing a 700-kV accelerator to inject H+ or He+ ions into nickel foils. A tandem accelerator then irradiates the foils with 14-MeV nickel to produce displacement damage. Details of the irradiation facilities are presented. Sample preparation and analysis techniques are described. Preliminary results and plans for future experiments are described.