Analysis of defect configurations with positron lifetime measurements by pulsed low energy beams

Abstract

Abstract To understand the damage behavior of mechanically deformed metallic materials in more detail, the kind of defect and its concentration have to be known. In addition, the kinetics of decomposition and of precipitation hardening are influenced by the presence of defects and the corresponding concentration. Consequently, an analysis of dominating defects would be helpful. Compared with well known techniques, positron annihilation spectroscopy offers the opportunity for lifetime measurements that are characteristic for special kinds of defects, e.g. dislocations, small vacancy clusters and micro-voids. To detect the spatial distribution and to determine the concentration of defects, the low energy pulsed positron beam technique can be used. This technique, in combination with the scanning positron microscope, opens a broad field of applications for defect analysis in metallic and ceramic materials.