Electron beam decomposition of copper hydride and the generation of ultra-fine particles of copper

The decomposition of copper hydride produces small ( > 3 nm) Cu particles directly within the electron microscope. Decomposition is apparently instantaneous with exposure to the beam and the particles retain the original hydride crystal morphology. The material is crystalline and the exact mechanism of decomposition is unclear. Partial oxide formation may also have been observed and additional work is needed to fully ascertain the parameters which influence the dispersion, microstructure, and final decomposition of the crystallites. Photomicrographs. 16 ref.--J.C.J.