Detection of helium bubble formation at fcc-bcc interfaces using neutron reflectometry

We use neutron reflectometry to find the critical helium (He) fluence required to form He bubbles at interfaces between fcc and bcc metals. Our findings are in agreement with previous experimental as well as modeling results and provide evidence for the presence of stable He platelets at fcc-bcc interfaces prior to bubble formation. The stable storage of He in interfacial platelets may provide the basis for the design of materials with increased resistance to He-induced degradation. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.