Tungsten nanofuzz describes the nano scale structuring that can form under heavy He ion irradiation and high temperatures. While the underlying theory of nanofuzz formation and growth has been researched, a definitive answer for how the process works is yet to be discovered as it has never been produced under in-situ conditions, ie observed forming and growing in real time. A low energy, high flux He ion source was developed intended to be integrated with the MIAMI-2 system, Huddersfield, UK, for an in situ view of nanofuzz formation. The source was tested in an ex-situ chamber and performance compared to the existing MIAMI-2 ion beam line. The final design could sustain a 1 keV He beam at a flux of 1 × 1019ions/m2/s continuously and ran for over 50 hours without needing maintenance or cleaning. A heated sample holder was constructed to test if the rig was capable of producing W nanofuzz, however metal impurities in the heater system formed Mn nanostructures on the W surface at fluences in the order of 1 × 1023ions/m2, two orders of magnitude under that of nanofuzz formation. These structures are a novel phenomenon that require further investigation. Future improvements to the irradiation rig can be accomplished by refining the ion source for fitment to the MIAMI-2 system and exploring alternative heater designs to suppress impurity formation.
| Date of Award | 1 Dec 2025 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Supervisor | Simon Barrans (Main Supervisor) |
|---|