Atomic Mixing Induced by Ion Irradiation of V/Cu Multilayers

Bulk Cu/V multilayers simultaneously possess high strength and excellent radiation resistance thanks to their high density of interfaces. Irradiation-induced atomic mixing of Cu/V multilayers has been less investigated. Here, we investigate the ion irradiation of bulk Cu/V multilayers exposed to H_2^+ or He^+ ions at 350^\circ\!C. The microstructure and elemental distribution are investigated by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Facetted bubbles and atomic mixing are observed after ion irradiation. The possible mechanisms of irradiation-induced atomic mixing are discussed.