Polarized neutron reflectivity investigation of Fe+ ion irradiated FeCr films

For Fusion energy applications FeCr ferritic martensitic steels are candidate structural materials due to their radiation resistance and good mechanical properties. Thus, the understanding of the neutron irradiation effects on FeCr steels is of paramount importance for the development of radiation resistance materials. The damage induced in the material by fusion neutrons of 14 MeV can be imitated employing self-ion irradiation. Previous PNR measurements of Fe+ ion irradiation of Fe films have shown enhancement or reduction of the Fe magnetic moment depending on the type of defects created, i.e. vacancies versus interstitials. With the current proposal we aim at investigating the induced magnetic effects on FeCr films employing polarized neutron reflectivity measurements.