Ion Irradiation Method Advances Nuclear Materials Qualification
A collaborative effort led by Prof. Emeritus Gary Was has developed Qualification under Ion irradiation of Core Components (QUICC), a methodology for using controlled ion irradiation to study reactor-relevant materials degradation. Kevin Field is part of the core development team.
The approach draws on MIBL’s multi-beam capabilities to reproduce important aspects of displacement damage and gas accumulation. NERS reported that the methodology was progressing through ASTM review and would be presented at an Electric Power Research Institute event in March 2026. The work aims to shorten the time needed to assess materials for advanced fission and fusion systems.
