Neutron radiation effects on an electronic system on module

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Particle physics

Background:

• The NUMEN project investigates nuclear matrix elements for neutrinoless double beta decay.
• High radiation levels, including approximately 10^5 neutrons/cm^2/s, are expected in the NUMEN experiment.
• This poses a significant challenge to the longevity of electronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability of a System On Module (SOM) when exposed to neutron radiation.
• To determine the suitability of electronic components for the harsh environment of the NUMEN experiment.

Main Methods:

• Investigated a National Instruments SOM's performance under neutron radiation.
• Utilized thermal, epithermal, and fast neutrons from a 4.5 MW Nuclear Research Reactor.
• Simulations using FLUKA predicted expected radiation levels.

Main Results:

• The System On Module demonstrated robustness when subjected to neutron radiation.
• The electronic device maintained functionality under the tested radiation conditions.

Conclusions:

• National Instruments SOMs are suitable for deployment in the NUMEN project.
• The tested SOMs can withstand the expected neutron radiation environment, ensuring operational reliability.