4D electron tomography of dislocations undergoing electron irradiation

Abstract

Imaging dislocation microstructures in 3D and monitoring their interactions over time is a major challenge. In this study, we show that enhancing the contrast of dislocation lines prior to reconstruction, allows to optimize an acquisition phase with fewer images and thus to follow the 3D evolution of a microstructure over time. We illustrate this new possibility by studying the first stages of formation of helical dislocations in MgO under electron irradiation. We highlight the role of segment mobility on the initiation of climb and reveal the existence of preferential mixed climb planes.

Keywords

• Dislocation
• Electron tomography
• Irradiation
• Helical dislocations
• MgO