The influence of 1 MeV electron irradiation at 300 K on the diameter distribution of helium bubbles after 5 keV He+ implantation in nickel and in Metglas 2826 MB (Fe40 Ni38 Mo4 B18) is investigated. Electron irradiation induces additional bubble growth in both materials. Helium bubble growth in nickel as function of damage dose (2-18 dpa) is as effective during e− irradiation of a He+ pre-implanted specimen as it is the case during further He+ implantation. This indicates that a significant proportion of the implanted helium resides outside the bubbles after He+ implantation and that this helium precipitates into the bubbles during electron irradiation. In the amorphous alloy, the helium bubbles grow less during electron irradiation than during further He+ implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
