Space radiation physics

Group leader: Dr. Christoph Schuy

he space radiation physics group focus its area of research into designing and conducting experiments in space-like radiation environment. Space radiation represent one of the main obstacles for the further exploration of the solar system and beyond. Acute exposure to energetic particles from the sun or chronic exposure to galactic cosmic radiation can cause harmful short- and long-term effects in astronauts and mission critical electronic components, alike. To address and developed mitigation techniques, the space radiation physics groups make use of particles accelerators with the specific purpose of recreating the harsh radiation field present in space. This is made possible thanks to the specialized irradiation modalities to closely mimic solar particle events (SPEs) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Is such way, space radiation can be recreated on ground allowing experiments to be contracted in specific radiation field. As a defining characteristic of GCR is its complexity in terms of charge population and kinetic energy distribution, it is mandatory to provide and verity that the radiation field, replicated on gourd, is complaint with the expected radiation field. This task is achieved by the means of microdosimetric characterization, a well-established technique that is gaining renewed interest thanks to its ability of comprehensively describe complex radiation fields. Furthermore, active effort is put into developing and testing shielding techniques by measuring the impact on the radiation field and evaluating its effects.

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Figure: Credit is NASA and download link is images-assets.nasa.gov/image/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115/GSFC_20171208_Archive_e002115~orig.jpg
Space radiation sources: GCR and SPE [figure from https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA16938.jpg
Main research topics:
  • Space radiation reproduction on-gourd. By developing specialized irradiation modalities, it is possible to recreate space radiation environment on-ground accelerator facilities. To replicate these radiation fields on Earth, two distinct methodologies have been developed, corresponding to the two primary irradiation components based on their origin: solar particle events (SPEs) and galactic cosmic rays (GCRs).The availability of such radiation field opens for irradiation testing and characterization of both biological and electronics equipment that are required to withstand space radiation, closing the gap in space exploration.
  • Space radiation countermeasures. As space radiation represent one of the major obstacles of human exploration, the development of countermeasure represent a hot topic of research. The space radiation physics group collaborated with the ROSSINI project in selecting innovative shielding materials and provide recommendations and guidelines for space reincorporation in different mission scenarios.
  • Microdosimetric characterization of complex field.  With microdosimetry gaining renewed interest, the space radiation physics group is actively utilizing this tool to characterize the complex radiation fields produced by heavy ions. This characterization is crucial for validating recreated space radiation environments and assessing the effectiveness of shielding techniques.
  • Operation of GSI experimental room Cave A. The space radiation physics group is responsible for technical upgrades and the operation of GSIs experimental room Cave A.
  • FOOT. The space radiation physics group have take active participation in the INFN foot experiment. More details available at the following link:https://web.infn.it/foot/en/home/
  • Master thesis. Often a scientific career begins with a Master's thesis, and many Master's students enjoy scientific work and decide to continue working in research. Master's students are welcome in our group if they are qualified, and we make a special effort to supervise them.
Projects

Radiation facility network for the exploration of effects for industry and research

Software repositories
  • Work in progress
Collaborations
  • Work in progress
Group Members
  • Dr. Christoph Schuy, Group leader
  • Dr. Tim Wagner, Deputy group leader
  • Dr. Enrico Pierobon, Postdoctoral researcher
  • Luca Lunati, PhD student
Papers