The use of FIB/TEM for the study of radiation damage in radioactive/non-radioactive mineral assemblages

Radiation damage in radioactive minerals has been studied in geosciences for two main reasons. First, U-Th-rich minerals are used for U-Th-Pb datation, and it is essential to understand the effects of radiation damage on lead retentivity. Second, the effect of long term accumulation of radiation damage is a key parameter for assessing the durability of ceramics that could be used for nuclear-waste storage. One strategy typically used is to study naturally radioactive minerals in specific geological contexts by various analytical methods. In contrast to the numerous studies on radiation effects within radioactive minerals, e.g. zircon, monazite, thorite-group..., i.e. “self-damage”, very few have been done on radiation damage effects in Non Radioactive (NR) host minerals.