Irradiation damage investigation of helium implanted polycrystalline copper

This work features the synthesis of nanoscale cavities using a He ion beam implantation method. A multitechnique (AFM, TEM, nanoindentation) post synthesis approach allows for the characterization of a 200 nm thin implantation region containing nanocavities. It was found that at lower doses, the cavities arrange themselves in a superlattice and are close to equilibrium pressure while at higher doses the selforganization of the nanoscale cavities is lost, forming cavities that change in nature resulting in a degradation of the mechanical properties. Close correlation between theory and experimental observation is achieved considering for the observed phenomena. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.