Effect of the irradiation temperature on the magnetic state of Fe+ ion irradiated FeCr films

The understanding of the neutron irradiation effects on FeCr steels is of paramount importance for the development of radiation resistance materials for fusion energy applications. The damage induced in the material by fusion neutrons can be imitated employing self-ion irradiation. Previous PNR experiments of Fe+ ion RT irradiation of Fe-10at%Cr and Fe-17at%Cr films have shown an increase or decrease of the magnetic moment of the FeCr matrix which is attributed to the Cr depletion of the FeCr matrix in the case of the 10at%Cr or dissolution of pre-existing precipitates in the case of 17at%Cr. In order to examine the effect of the irradiation temperature on the magnetic effects and correlate these with the induced defect structure, PNR experiments are proposed on Fe-Cr films irradiated at 300oC by Fe+ ions at various doses and dose rates.