The crystalline damage which was introduced by irradiation was investigated by using transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics calculations. Displacement cascades were simulated for energies ranging from 10 to 50keV; for times of up to some tens of ps. Samples were then used to make simulations of the transmission electron microscopic images that could be observed experimentally. Diffraction contrast was simulated by using a method which was based upon the multi-slice technique. The cascade-induced damage, as imaged using weak-beam techniques, exhibited good contrast. The number of visible clusters was always lower than the actual number. On the other hand, high-resolution transmission electron microscopic imaging permitted most of the defects in the sample to be observed; although experimental difficulties arose due to the low contrast intensity of the smallest defects. Single point defects gave rise to a high-resolution transmission electron microscopic contrast that was similar to that for cavities.

Correlation of Simulated TEM Images with Irradiation Induced Damage. R.Schäublin, P.De Almeida, A.Almazouzi, M.Victoria: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2000, 283-287, 205-9