Nanoscale Strain Evolution and Grain Boundary-Mediated Defect Sink Behavior in Irradiated SiC: Insights from N-PED and DFT

This paper is highly relevant for the Ferrmion project, as it provides advanced insight into irradiation‑induced strain and defect behavior in ceramic materials like silicon carbide, which parallels challenges faced in multiferroic alloys under ion beam exposure. The demonstrated use of nanobeam precession electron diffraction (N‑PED) and complementary simulations highlights methods capable of resolving nanoscale strain gradients—critical for understanding radiation damage, thin‑film stability, and grain boundary effects. These findings directly support Ferrmion’s goals of developing radiation‑modified materials and optimizing ion beam applications for multiferroic systems, thin‑film deposition, and functional materials in nuclear and sensor technologies.