Cluster-dynamics modelling of defects in α-iron under cascade damage conditions

We report the calibration of a rate theory numerical code capable to reproduce the agglomeration of point-defects produced in α-iron by irradiation under cascade damage conditions. The input parameters are obtained by performing transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments in α-iron. It was irradiated at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C with high flux krypton ion under resolvable point-defect cluster conditions. The TEM analyse of the sample irradiated at the highest temperature reveals the presence of two dislocation loop populations: large ones are decorated with small ones, both vacancy and interstitial in type. The vacancy loops are proposal to be located in the compressive side of the large interstitial loops.