Low energy helium ion irradiation induced nanostructure formation on tungsten surface

We report on the low energy helium ion irradiation induced surface morphology changes on tungsten (W) surfaces under extreme conditions. Surface morphology changes on W surfaces were monitored as a function of helium ion energy (140–300 eV), fluence (2.3 × 1024–1.6 × 1025 ions m−2), and flux (2.0 × 1020–5.5 × 1020 ion m−2 s−1). All the experiments were performed at 900° C. Our study shows significant effect of all the three ion irradiation parameters (ion flux, fluence, and energy) on the surface morphology. However, the effect of ion flux is more pronounced. Variation of helium ion fluence allows to capture the very early stages of fuzz growth. The observed fuzz growth and morphology changes were understood in the realm of various possible phenomena. The study has relevance and important impact in the current and future nuclear fusion applications. •Reporting formation of W nanostructure (fuzz) due to low energy He ion beam irradiation.•Observing the very early stages for the W-Fuzz formation.•Tracking the surface morphological evolution during the He irradiation.•Discussing in depth our observation and drawing a possible scenario that explain this phenomenon.•Studying various ions irradiation parameters such as flux, fluence, and ions energy.