Diffusion of Xe and Kr implanted at low concentrations in UO2 as a function of temperature-An experimental study

Fission gases production and release have a large impact on uranium dioxide fuel performance. To predict fuel properties in pile, a better understanding of the fission gas behaviour in uranium dioxide is needed. UO2 samples were implanted with Xe or Kr at low doses to avoid trapping by irradiation defects and/or gas clusters. The release rates of Xe and Kr were studied at temperatures ranging up to 1400 degrees C. Results show an excellent agreement with the substantial literature on xenon diffusion in irradiated UO2.