SAFIIRA: A heavy-ion multi-purpose irradiation facility in Brazil.

Area of Science:

• Applied Nuclear Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• The need for controlled heavy-ion irradiation facilities for electronic device testing.
• Advancements in beam manipulation techniques for research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel facility for applied nuclear physics at the University of Sao Paulo.
• To detail the system's capability for producing low-intensity, large-area, high-uniformity heavy-ion beams.
• To highlight the system's suitability for electronic device irradiation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a quadrupole doublet for beam focusing and defocusing.
• Employing multiple scattering through gold foils to shape the ion beam.
• Implementing a high-precision motorized stage within the irradiation chamber.
• Developing a LabView-based control system for automated measurements.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of heavy-ion beams (¹H to ¹⁰⁷Ag) with adjustable intensities from 10² particles/cm²/s to hundreds of nA.
• Achieved large irradiation areas up to 2.0 cm².
• Demonstrated beam uniformity exceeding 90%.
• Established a controlled and automated irradiation environment.

Conclusions:

• The new facility provides a versatile platform for heavy-ion irradiation studies.
• The system's design allows for precise control over beam characteristics, crucial for electronic device research.
• The automation capabilities enhance experimental efficiency and reproducibility.