| Abstract: | The technique of vibratory polishing has been successfully applied to the controlled removal of surfaces for examination of ion-irradiation damage structure in nickel, a nickel-based alloy, and stainless steel. The application of this technique to the study of voids formed in localized layers in nickel and stainless steel during high dose 20 MeV carbon ion irradiation is described. Transmission electron microscopy observations of the vibratory polished surfaces reveal mechanical damage in the form of linear tracks (～ 100 nm wide) which are produced by the abrasive Al2O3 particles used for polishing. These tracks do not prevent observation of irradiation damage structure. An example is shown of a thin (～ 100 nm edge thickness) foil produced entirely by this mechanical polishing process. It is proposed that this technique will be equally applicable to the preparation of transmission electron microscope specimens from a wide range of metals, from alloys containing second-phase particles and from ceramics, glasses and oxides which are not amenable to preparation by chemical or electro-polishing. |
