Perea D.B. Ion-Irradiation-Induced Damage in Nuclear Materials: Case Study of a-SiO2 and MgO

Springer, 2018. — 191 p. — (Springer Theses). — ISBN: 978-3-030-00406-4.This thesis investigates the behavior of two candidate materials (a-SiO₂ and MgO) for applications in fusion (e.g., the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER) and Generation IV fission reactors. Both parts of the thesis – the development of the ionoluminescence technique and the study of the ion-irradiation effects on both materials – are highly relevant for the fields of the ion-beam analysis techniques and irradiation damage in materials. The research presented determines the microstructural changes at different length scales in these materials under ion irradiation. In particular, it studies the effect of the irradiation temperature using several advanced characterization techniques. It also provides much-needed insights into the use of these materials at elevated temperatures. Further, it discusses the development of the ion-beam-induced luminescence technique in different research facilities around the globe, a powerful in situ spectroscopic characterization method that until now was little known.
Thanks to its relevance, rigorosity and quality, this thesis has received twoprestigious awards in Spain and France.Studied Materials: a-SiO2 2 and MgO
Ion-Solid Interactions and Ion Beam Modification of Materials
Experimental Facilities
Experimental Characterization Techniques
General Features of the Ion Beam Induced Luminescence in Amorphous Silica
Ionoluminescence in Silica: Role of the Silanol Group Content and the Ion Stopping Power
Exciton Mechanisms and Modeling of the Ionoluminescence in Silica
MgO Under Ion Irradiation at High Temperatures
Ion Beam Induced Luminescence in MgO
Conclusions and Prospects for the Future