Publication at Faculty of Mathematics and Physics |
2009
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to investigate the microstructure of bulk niobium irradiated by 10 MeV electrons. Positron-annihilation spectroscopy was employed as a principal technique for the characterization of irradiation-induced defects.
Experimental results were compared to first-principles theoretical calculations of positron characteristics. In addition to extended positron-annihilation studies, the specimens were characterized also by x-ray diffraction.
It was found that irradiation-induced vacancies are surrounded by hydrogen. Complexes consisting of a Nb vacancy surrounded by one and two H atoms were identified in the irradiated specimens.