Analysis of Radiation Annealing Observed during Low Temperature Irradiation with Neutrons and Heavy Charged Particles

Abstract

Abstract Large radiation annealing effects are observed for different metals during reactor irradiation at 4.5 °K. Saturation values for the resistivity changes are obtained by extrapolation from the linear decrease of the effective damage rate with defect concentration. These results agree well with those deduced from radiation annealing observed during irradiation with heavy charged particles. Various physical processes which are thought to contribute to the observed reduction of the accumulation rate of defects with irradiation time, are analysed.