Determination of Interstitial Deuterium Locations in Niobium by Channeling

Abstract

Abstract Channeling provides a new technique for determining the lattice positions of deuterium atoms in single crystals at low concentrations. In the present investigation the D(d, p )T reaction yield was measured around the 〈100〉 and the 〈111〉 incidence directions of a 300 keV deuteron beam penetrating through niobium loaded with 2 atomic percent deuterium. In combination with flux and energy distribution calculations of the channeled deuterons the conclusion was reached that at 150 K the dissolved deuterium atoms are located at tetrahedral lattice sites. Measurements at room temperature indicate that deuterium at 295 K occupies the same sites.