Changes in mass density of amorphous Pd80Si20 were monitored in situ during
irradiation with He2+ and H+ ions at temperatures below 100 K and during s
ubsequent thermal treatment. The mass density decreased with increasing ion
fluence and exponentially approached a saturation value of -1.2%, correspo
nding to a recombination volume of 190 atomic volumes, The initial swelling
rate was 2.3 atomic volumes/displaced atom. The mass density of the irradi
ated material increased during subsequent thermal treatment, and the irradi
ation-induced decrease of the mass density recovered completely at room tem
perature.