On the low-temperature nucleation and growth of bubbles by helium bombardement of metals

A model for the nucleation and growth of helium bubbles at low temperatures is described. The model characteristics are based on recently published results of helium desorption experiments and on atomistic calculations, which indicate that mass transport is achieved by punching out and migration of self interstitials. Simulations are performed up to a helium content of 30 at% resulting in the prediction of the bubble density, bubble volume, fraction of helium in bubbles and point defect concentration. The results show good agreement with experiment and a possible mechanism of blistering is discussed. (orig.)