10–16 MeV proton irradiation of iron, zirconium and copper: isochronal anneal measurements

Stage I recovery is investigated for Fe, Zr and Cu irradiated at 17.5 K with 10,14 and 16 MeV protons. Several sub-stages are measured and analyzed. In relation to published electron and neutron irradiation data, the present results show that 16 MeV protons approximate the damage induced in metals due to fusion reactor spectra. The present results also indicate that the damage state created by protons in metals is similar to an intermediate state between those due to electron and fast-neutron irradiations.