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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
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Automated Delivery of Microfabricated Targets for Intense Laser Irradiation Experiments
Published on: January 28, 2021
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Laser-driven proton sources for efficient radiation testing.
Beatrice D'Orsi1,2, Corrado Altomare3, Alessandro Ampollini4
1INRS, EMT Varennes, 1650 Blvd Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, J3X 1S2, Canada. beatrice.dorsi@enea.it.
Scientific Reports
|July 27, 2025
Summary
This study shows that laser-driven proton irradiation is a highly efficient method for stress-testing electronic components in high-radiation environments, requiring lower doses and less time than traditional sources.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- High-radiation environments in fields like particle physics and space exploration pose risks to electronic components.
- Damage to these Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components can compromise facility reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various radiation sources on COTS electronic components.
- To compare the efficiency of different stress-testing methods for radiation environments.
Main Methods:
- Electronic components were exposed to gamma rays, laser-driven protons, conventionally accelerated protons, and neutrons.
- Device parameters were analyzed after various irradiation conditions.
Main Results:
- Radiation exposure caused significant degradation in electrical performance due to induced defects.
- Variations in radiation effects were observed even at the same dose levels.
- Laser-driven proton irradiation proved more efficient, achieving equivalent stress-testing at significantly lower doses and faster rates.
Conclusions:
- Laser-driven proton irradiation offers a more efficient and rapid method for qualifying electronic components for high-radiation environments.
- Understanding radiation-induced defects is crucial for ensuring the reliability of electronic systems in harsh conditions.
