Possibilities and Perspectives of Atomic-Scale Ultramicroscopic Studies of Radiation Damageability of Structural and Fissionable Materials

The unique possibilities of three microscopic methods, i.e., atom probe field-ion, scanning tunnel, and atomic force ones, are considered as applied to the study of radiation defects on the surface and in the volume of materials for nuclear engineering and industry. It is stressed that the understanding of the specific features of formation and evolution of the faulty structure of materials in the process of irradiation and after it, and of the variation of various properties determined by this structure, the development of reliable methods of theoretical (computer) prediction of the radiation damage and degradation of the operational properties of structural and fissionable materials require detailed atomic-scale information on the nature and quantitative parameters of primary radiation defects. Specific examples are presented for partial illustration of information provided by the considered methods.