Backscattering measurements of the trapping of Zr self-interstitial atoms by Au atoms in irradiated Zr-Au crystals

Backscattering of 2 MeV He+ ions from Zr-0.2% Au and Zr-0.3% Au crystals was measured for [0001], <1120> and <1010> directions and the (0001) plane in order to determine the trapping characteristics of Au atoms for irradiated-induced defects. It was observed that Au atoms were displaced from substitutional lattice sites during post-irradiation annealing near 120 K, indicating that the Au atoms formed strong traps for Zr self-interstitial atoms which became mobile at that temperature. The direction of Au atom displacements was between <4043> and <1010> axes. The displacement of the Au was reduced during annealing from 200-400 K, and was reduced further from 550-700 K. These recovery stages could be due to migration of a second type of self-interstitial and to migration of vacancies respectively. (Auth.)