Measurement of backward sputtering yields induced by fast neutrons

This paper presents experimental methods and results of measuring backward sputtering induced by fast neutrons. Backward sputtering yields of 10 materials Mg, Al, Sc, V, Fe, Co, Cu, Zr, Au and type 316 stainless steel have been measured and compared with forward sputtering yields. The typical value of backward sputtering yield is about 10−8–10−10 atoms per neutron, which is approximately 1–2 orders smaller than that of forward sputtering. The present results have been compared with other experimental results and have been explained using sputtering theories.