Helium bubbles in alpha-irradiated aluminium: positron lifetime studies

The formation of He-stabilised voids in aluminium single crystals injected with helium is monitored by positron lifetime measurements. The bubbles are observed to grow during annealing from 300 to 930K. The bubbles are extremely stable and survive annealing up to the melting point. Positron lifetime data are used to discuss the He density inside the bubbles and their growth mechanism.