Relative population of 1/2<111> and <100> interstitial loops in alpha-Fe under irradiation: Effects of C15 cluster stability and loop one-dimensional movement

The relative stability of 1/2<111> and <100> dislocation loops, originating from anisotropic elasticity of alpha-Fe, was extensively exploited to explain experimentally observed variation in the relative population of the two loop types under varying irradiation temperatures. In this study, using cluster dynamics simulations taking into account the coevolution of C15 Laves phase structure (cluster) and loop reaction caused by defect one-dimensional (1-d) movement, we reveal new mechanisms that may underpin the variations in loop population of different Burgers vectors. We identify that C15 clusters have twofold roles in mediating loop evolution: (1) acting as buffers of self-interstitial atoms, (2) initiating loop nuclei via their collapses. The latter plays a critical role in nucleation of <100> loops and subsequently affects loop evolution of both types. We show that the loop relative population undergoes further re-arrangement via a transfer reaction driven by loop long-range diffusion. Our findings essentially demonstrate that, apart from the loop stability, the relative population of two loop types is governed by at least two other factors: C15 cluster stability and loop 1-d movement.