Pulsed flux effects on radation damage

Pulsed irradiation fluxes can cause alteration in the development of irradiation microstructures when compared to steady irradiation microstructures. Theoretical analysis of irradiation damage development and examination of pulsed ion irradiation microstructures have indicated conditions for expected pulsing effects on fusion reactor materials. In pure metals, high instantaneous damage rates and pulse annealing periods comparable to defect relaxation times can cause significant pulsing effects. In addition, irradiation affected phases in alloys are altered by pulsed irradiation compared to steady irradiation. (orig.)