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Title: Implementation of focused ion beam (FIB) system in characterization of nuclear fuels and materials

Abstract

Beginning in 2007, a program was established at the Idaho National Laboratory to update key capabilities enabling microstructural and micro-chemical characterization of highly irradiated and/or radiologically contaminated nuclear fuels and materials at scales that previously had not been achieved for these types of materials. Such materials typically cannot be contact handled and pose unique hazards to instrument operators, facilities, and associated personnel. One of the first instruments to be acquired was a Dual Beam focused ion beam (FIB)-scanning electron microscope (SEM) to support preparation of transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography samples. Over the ensuing years, techniques have been developed and operational experience gained that has enabled significant advancement in the ability to characterize a variety of fuel types including metallic, ceramic, and coated particle fuels, obtaining insights into in-reactor degradation phenomena not obtainable by any other means. The following article describes insights gained, challenges encountered, and provides examples of unique results obtained in adapting Dual Beam FIB technology to nuclear fuels characterization.

Authors:
; ; ; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
DOE - NE
OSTI Identifier:
1162204
Report Number(s):
INL/JOU-14-31166
DOE Contract Number:  
DE-AC07-05ID14517
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Micron
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 67
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; contamination; Focused ion beam (FIB); nuclear materials; radioactivity

Citation Formats

Aitkaliyeva, A., Madden, J. W., Miller, B. D., Cole, J I, and Hyde, T A. Implementation of focused ion beam (FIB) system in characterization of nuclear fuels and materials. United States: N. p., 2014. Web. doi:10.1016/j.micron.2014.06.010.
Aitkaliyeva, A., Madden, J. W., Miller, B. D., Cole, J I, & Hyde, T A. Implementation of focused ion beam (FIB) system in characterization of nuclear fuels and materials. United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2014.06.010
Aitkaliyeva, A., Madden, J. W., Miller, B. D., Cole, J I, and Hyde, T A. 2014. "Implementation of focused ion beam (FIB) system in characterization of nuclear fuels and materials". United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2014.06.010.
@article{osti_1162204,
title = {Implementation of focused ion beam (FIB) system in characterization of nuclear fuels and materials},
author = {Aitkaliyeva, A. and Madden, J. W. and Miller, B. D. and Cole, J I and Hyde, T A},
abstractNote = {Beginning in 2007, a program was established at the Idaho National Laboratory to update key capabilities enabling microstructural and micro-chemical characterization of highly irradiated and/or radiologically contaminated nuclear fuels and materials at scales that previously had not been achieved for these types of materials. Such materials typically cannot be contact handled and pose unique hazards to instrument operators, facilities, and associated personnel. One of the first instruments to be acquired was a Dual Beam focused ion beam (FIB)-scanning electron microscope (SEM) to support preparation of transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography samples. Over the ensuing years, techniques have been developed and operational experience gained that has enabled significant advancement in the ability to characterize a variety of fuel types including metallic, ceramic, and coated particle fuels, obtaining insights into in-reactor degradation phenomena not obtainable by any other means. The following article describes insights gained, challenges encountered, and provides examples of unique results obtained in adapting Dual Beam FIB technology to nuclear fuels characterization.},
doi = {10.1016/j.micron.2014.06.010},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1162204}, journal = {Micron},
number = ,
volume = 67,
place = {United States},
year = {Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014},
month = {Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014}
}