Damage evolution in pure samples which had been bombarded with 5keV H+ ions was studied, at temperatures between ambient and 673K, by means of  in situ  transmission electron microscopy. The formation of interstitial-type dislocation loops and cavities was determined as a function of fluence, ion flux, depth from the specimen surface and irradiation temperature. The results suggested that H atoms enhanced loop formation, and that H-vacancy complexes acted as nucleation sites for the loops. It was demonstrated that cavities were formed preferentially, or survived, near to specimen surfaces or dislocations, due to sink or bias effects.

K.Ono, R.Sakamoto, T.Muroga, N.Yoshida: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 1996, 233-237B, 1040-4