A new method was proposed for the investigation of charge states of point defects in irradiated ceramic materials. This method was based on a new theoretical model and experimental observations of defect cluster formation near permanent sinks, such as grain boundaries. Previous experimental investigations showed that a denuded zone was formed in irradiated ceramic materials near free surfaces and grain boundaries. The effect of an applied electric field on the formation of interstitial-type point defect clusters (dislocation loops) near grain boundaries in irradiated ceramic materials was investigated. For this purpose a new theoretical model was suggested, which takes into account the effect of an applied electric field on the denuded zone formation. It was shown that the denuded zone size depends on point defect charge and direction of applied electric field. The obtained theoretical results were compared with experimental data.

Determination of Effective Charge States for Point Radiation Defects in Fusion Ceramic Materials. A.I.Ryazanov, A.V.Klaptsov, C.Kinoshita, K.Yasuda: Journal of Nuclear Materials, 2004, 329-333[1], 97-102