Diffusion of Xe and Kr implanted at low concentrations in UO$_2$ as a function of temperature – An experimental study

International audienceFission 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. UO$_2$ 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°C. Results show an excellent agreement with the substantial literature on xenon diffusion in irradiated UO$_2$