Use of divergent-beam x-ray diffraction to measure lattice expansion in LiF as a function of thermal-neutron dose up to 6 × 1016 nvt

The lattice expansion of LiF was measured by means of the divergent-beam (Kossel) x-ray diffraction method at three levels of thermal-neutron dose, 0.45, 2, and 6 × 1016 nvt, respectively. The lattice parameter of LiF increases due to the production of Frenkel defects resulting from the Li6(n, α)H3 reaction. At 6 × 1016 nvt, the lattice expansion was found to be 0.13±0.02% which is in good agreement with previously reported values.