Modeling the effects of low-LET cosmic rays on electronic components
A Keating1, P Goncalves, M Pimenta
1Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics, Av. Elias Garcia, 14, 1º, 1000-149 Lisbon, Portugal. Keating@lip.pt
Radiation and Environmental Biophysics
|May 25, 2012
Summary
This study examines cosmic radiation damage to cells and electronics using various ion energies. Findings reveal critical insights into single event effects for space exploration safety.
Area of Science:
- Space science and radiation effects
- Materials science and electronics reliability
- Astrobiology and radiation biology
Background:
- Cosmic radiation poses risks to astronauts, equipment, and biological samples during space missions.
- Current radiation testing methods often use lower energy ions than those encountered in space.
- Understanding radiation-induced damage is crucial for long-duration space exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate single event damage from low-, high-, and very-high-energy ions.
- To compare laboratory radiation test conditions with actual space environments.
- To analyze ionization effects from primary particles versus recoils in electronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing ion cocktails with energies around 10 MeV per nucleon for standard tests.
- Analyzing cosmic ray data, including fluxes at GeV per nucleon energies.
- Employing European Space Agency reference single event upset monitor data.
- Investigating ionization effects in various electronic device types.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant differences in single event damage between laboratory and space radiation conditions.
- Quantified the impact of different ion energies and linear energy transfer (LET) on biological and electronic systems.
- Showcased the distinct contributions of primary particle ionization and recoil-induced ionization.
Conclusions:
- Standard heavy ion radiation tests may not fully represent the risks posed by galactic cosmic rays.
- Further research is needed to develop radiation-hardened electronics and protective measures for space missions.
- Accurate modeling of cosmic radiation effects is essential for ensuring mission success and crew safety.
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