Measurements of the secondary particle energy spectra in the Space Shuttle

Measurements of the energy spectra of secondary particles produced by galactic cosmic rays and trapped protons due to the nuclear interactions of these particles with the Shuttle shielding provide a powerful tool for validating radiation transport codes. A code validated in this way can be used to better estimate the dose and dose equivalent to body organs, measurements that cannot be made directly. The principal cause of single event upsets in electronic devices in the region of the South Atlantic Anomaly is secondary particles, and even in the region of galactic cosmic radiation a significant fraction is produced by secondary particles. In this paper, we describe the first direct measurements of the energy spectra of secondary protons, deuterons, tritons, 3He and 4He produced by galactic cosmic rays inside the Space Shuttle using a charged particle spectrometer. A comparison of these spectra with radiation transport code HZETRN showed reasonably good agreement for secondary protons. However, the code seriously underestimated the flux of all other light ions. The code has been modified to include pick-up and knock-on processes. The modified code leads to good agreement for deuterons and 3He but not for other light ions. This revised code leads to about 10% higher dose equivalent than the original code under moderate shielding, if we assume that higher charge ion fluxes are correctly predicted by the model.     

Effects of target fragmentation on evaluation of LET spectra from space radiations: implications for space radiation protection studies

We present calculations of linear energy transfer (LET) spectra in low earth orbit from galactic cosmic rays and trapped protons using the HZETRN/BRYNTRN computer code. The emphasis of our calculations is on the analysis of the effects of secondary nuclei produced through target fragmentation in the spacecraft shield or detectors. Recent improvements in the HZETRN/BRYNTRN radiation transport computer code are described. Calculations show that at large values of LET (> 100 keV/μm) the LET spectra seen in free space and low earth orbit (LEO) are dominated by target fragments and not the primary nuclei. Although the evaluation of microdosimetric spectra is not considered here, calculations of LET spectra support that the large lineal energy (y) events are dominated by the target fragments. Finally, we discuss the situation for interplanetary exposures to galactic cosmic rays and show that current radiation transport codes predict that in the region of high LET values the LET spectra at significant shield depths (> 10 g/cm² of Al) is greatly modified by target fragments. These results suggest that studies of track structure and biological response of space radiation should place emphasis on short tracks of medium charge fragments produced in the human body by high energy protons and neutrons.     

Coupled neutron transport for HZETRN

Exposure estimates inside space vehicles, surface habitats, and high altitude aircrafts exposed to space radiation are highly influenced by secondary neutron production. The deterministic transport code HZETRN has been identified as a reliable and efficient tool for such studies, but improvements to the underlying transport models and numerical methods are still necessary. In this paper, the forward–backward (FB) and directionally coupled forward–backward (DC) neutron transport models are derived, numerical methods for the FB model are reviewed, and a computationally efficient numerical solution is presented for the DC model. Both models are compared to the Monte Carlo codes HETC-HEDS, FLUKA, and MCNPX, and the DC model is shown to agree closely with the Monte Carlo results. Finally, it is found in the development of either model that the decoupling of low energy neutrons from the light ion transport procedure adversely affects low energy light ion fluence spectra and exposure quantities. A first order correction is presented to resolve the problem, and it is shown to be both accurate and efficient.     

Influence of Bonner sphere response functions above 20 MeV on unfolded neutron spectra and doses

Monte Carlo (MC) codes for neutron transport calculations such as MCNP, MCNPX, FLUKA, PHITS, and GEANT4, crucially rely on cross sections that describe the interaction of neutrons with nuclei. For neutron energies below 20 MeV, evaluated cross sections are available that are validated against experimental data. In contrast, for high energies (above 20 MeV) experimental data are scarce and, for this reason, every neutron transport code is based on theoretical nuclear models to describe interactions of neutrons with nuclei in matter. Here we report on the calculation of a complete set of response functions for a Bonner spheres spectrometer (BSS), by means of GEANT4 using the Bertini and Binary Intranuclear Cascade (INC) models for energies above 20 MeV. The recent results were compared with those calculated by MCNP/LAHET and MCNP/HADRON MC codes. It turns out that, whatever code used, the response functions were rather similar for neutron energies below 20 MeV, for all 16 detector/moderator combinations of the considered BSS system. For higher energies, however, differences of more than a factor of 2 were observed, depending on neutron energy, detector/moderator combination, MC code, and nuclear model used. These differences are discussed in terms of neutron fluence rates measured at the environmental research station (UFS), “Schneefernerhaus”, (Zugspitze mountain, Germany, 2650 m a.s.l.) for energies below 0.4 eV (thermal neutrons), between 0.4 eV and 100 keV (epithermal neutrons), between 100 keV and 20 MeV (evaporation neutrons), and above 20 MeV (cascade neutrons). In terms of total neutron fluence rates, relative differences of up to 4% were obtained when compared to the standard MCNP/LAHET results, while in terms of total ambient dose equivalent, relative differences of up to 8% were obtained. Both the GEANT4 Binary INC and Bertini INC gave somewhat larger fluence and dose rates in the epithermal region. Most relevant for dose, however, those response functions calculated with the GEANT4 Bertini INC model provided about 18% less neutrons in the cascade region, which led to a roughly 13% smaller contribution of these neutrons to ambient dose equivalent. It is concluded that doses from secondary neutrons from cosmic radiation as deduced from BSS measurements are uncertain by about 10%, simply because of some differences in nuclear models used by various neutron transport codes.     

Neutron measurements onboard the space shuttle

The radiation environment inside a shielded volume is highly complex, consisting of both charged and neutral particles. Since the inception of human space flights, the charged particle component has received virtually all of the attention. There is however, a significant production of secondary neutrons, particularly from the aluminum structure in low earth orbiting spacecrafts. The interactions of galactic cosmic rays (GCR), and solar energetic particles with the earth's atmosphere produce a non-isotropic distribution of albedo neutrons. Inside any reasonable habitable module, the average radiation quality factor of neutrons is about 4-5 times larger than the corresponding average quality factor of charged particles. The measurement of neutrons and their energy spectra is a difficult problem due the intense sources of charged particles. This paper reviews the results of Shuttle flight experiments (made during both solar maximum and solar minimum) to measure the contribution of neutrons to the dose equivalent, as well as theoretical calculations to estimate the appropriate range of neutron energies that contribute most to the dose equivalent.     

Measurement of neutron-induced proton-production energy spectra with NE213 scintillator

Many benchmark data are required for the improvement of theoretical model implemented in a Monte Carlo code for particle transport. To acquire the benchmark data, we measured energy spectra of protons emitted from graphite, aluminum, and iron targets bombarded with continuous-energy neutrons, which enable simultaneous measurements at the incident energies from 100 to 600 MeV at a time. The neutron flux incident on the target was measured with a ²³⁸U fission ionization chamber. Protons emitted from the target were measured with three ΔE–E detectors consisting of a thin NE102A scintillator and a thick NE213 liquid scintillator. In the analysis, the pulse shape discrimination of the NE213 scintillator enable us to distinguish events for a charged particle stopping in the scintillator from events for a charged particle penetrating the scintillator. Experimental results were compared with calculations by the PHITS code coupled with the JENDL-HE file, the Bertini model implemented in the PHITS code, and the PEANUT model in the FLUKA code.     

Model calculations of the particle spectrum of the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) environment: Assessment with ACE/CRIS and MARIE measurements

For a given galactic cosmic ray (GCR) environment, understanding the distribution of the particle flux (protons, alpha particles, and heavy ions) in deep-space and on the surface of planetary systems such as Mars are essential for the risk assessment of future human exploration missions. In our model calculations, we make use of the NASA's HZETRN (High Z and Energy Transport) code along with the nuclear fragmentation cross sections that are described by the quantum multiple scattering (QMSFRG) model with the time-dependant variation of the GCR environment derived making use of the solar modulation potential, phi. Data from the cosmic ray isotope spectrometer (CRIS) instrument onboard the advanced composition explorer (ACE) has been available from 1998. Data from the CRIS instrument is being analyzed to understand the short term variations in the particle spectrum during the current solar cycle phase. In this report, particle spectrum for December 2002 of the CRIS instrument was compared with the model calculations. Current assessment of the model calculations show very good agreement of the particle flux (15% for low Z and 5% for high Z) data from Boron (Z=5) through Nickel (Z=28) nuclei for the energy bins reported by CRIS. Similarly, the model calculated dose–rate calculations are compared with the proton flux measured dose–rate from the Martian Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE) currently onboard the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft in Martian orbit for the month of August 2003 that is representative of a quiet-time GCR data at Mars. Current model calculations are well within 10% of the measured observations of MARIE. The predictive capabilities of the quiet-time GCR particle flux model calculations are promising for biological and shielding studies and for the radiation risk assessment for future human explorations.     

SSRF前端区锯齿墙束流孔洞中子屏蔽的蒙特卡罗估算

主要关于上海同步辐射装置(SSRF)储存环电子引发产生的韧致辐射和中子辐射的研究. 中子和光子经多种组合材 料(厚度在5cm～115cm之间)屏蔽后的剂量特征由蒙特卡罗代码MCNP和EGSnrc估算得到; 蒙特卡罗计算表明, 单一的材料如铅, 铁和聚乙烯对高能中子是无效的生物屏蔽材料, 而组合材料如铅或者铁加聚乙烯和铅或者铁加混凝土被认为是屏蔽高能中子很好的组合材料. 铅铁等高Z材料加点包含有氢的低Z材料如聚乙烯是同时屏蔽高能中子和韧致辐射的一种比较好的组合材料选择.     

Secondary particle contribution to LET spectra on LDEF

Four experiments utilizing passive detectors (P0006, P0004, A0015, M0004) were flown on LDEF to study the radiation environment. These experiments have been summarized in a companion paper (Benton et al., 1996). One of the experimental goals was to measure LET spectra at different locations and shielding depths with plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD). It was found that the LET spectra extended well above the LET cutoff imposed by the geomagnetic field on GCR particle penetration into LEO. The high LET particles detected were mostly short-range (range < 2000 μm), indicating that they were secondaries produced locally within the PNTD. The presence of these high LET particle fluences is important for the determination of dose equivalent because of the high Quality Factors (Q) involved. A relatively small fraction of particle fluence can contribute a large fraction of dose equivalent.

Short-range, inelastic secondary particles produced by trapped protons in the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) were found to be a major contributor to the LET spectra above 100 keV/μm. The LET spectra were found to extend beyond the 137 keV/μm relativistic GCR Fe peak to over 1000 keV/μm. The high LET tail of the LET spectra was measured in CR-39 and polycarbonate PNTDs using different techniques. GCR made a relatively modest contribution to the LET spectra as compared to the contributions from short-range secondary particles and stopping protons.

LET spectra intercomparisons were made between LDEF measurements and exposures to 154 MeV accelerated proton beams. The similarities support the role of nuclear interactions by trapped protons as the major source of secondary particles in the PNTDs. Also techniques were employed to reduce the range cutoff for detection of the short-range secondaries to 1 μm, so that essentially all secondary particles were included in the LET spectra. This has allowed a more realistic assessment of secondary contribution to dose equivalent.

Comparisons of measured and calculated LET spectra have been made that demonstrate the need for more accurate modeling of secondary particles in radiation transport codes. Comparisons include preliminary calculations in which attempts have been made to include secondary particles.     

Description of true and delayed ternary nuclear fission accompanied by the emission of various third particles

The mechanisms and the features of the main types of nuclear ternary fission (that is, true ternary fission, in which a third particle is emitted before the rupture of the fissioning nucleus into fragments, and delayed ternary fission, in which a third particle is emitted from fission fragments going apart) are investigated within quantum-mechanical fission theory. The features of T-odd asymmetry in true ternary nuclear fission induced by cold polarized neutrons are investigated for the cases where alpha particles, prescission neutrons, and photons appear as third particles emitted by fissioning nuclei, the Coriolis interaction of the spin of the polarized fissioning nucleus with the spin of the third particle and the interference between the fission amplitudes for neutron resonances excited in the fissioning nucleus in the case of projectile-neutron capture being taken into account. For the cases where third particles emitted by fission fragments are evaporated neutrons or photons, T-odd asymmetries in delayed ternary nuclear fission induced by cold polarized neutrons are analyzed with allowance for the mechanism of pumping of large fission-fragment spins oriented orthogonally to the fragment-emission direction and with allowance for the interference between the fission amplitudes for neutron resonances.     

Issues in risk assessment from solar particle events.

Uncertainties in risk assessment from solar particle events (SPE) include the role of high linear energy transfer (LET) secondary ions, the assessment of dose-rate effects as they relate to acute injury, the risk of cancer mortality and the modification of health effects due to the stress of spaceflight. We discuss several issues where new knowledge is required for improving estimates of radiation risk from SPE's. Secondary particles such as neutrons and low energy and charge ions (LZE) may dominate radiation risk behind a storm shelter and their biological effects are poorly understood, especially at low dose-rate. Dose-rate modulation of radiation response is also related to genetic pre-disposition an important determinant of radiation sensitivity. Molecular pathways that control cell death and tissue response have been elucidated in recent years and should provide new understanding of dose-rate effects for risk assessment. We consider some of these factors and discuss calculations using radiation transport codes, track structure models of energy deposition, and a molecular kinetics approach to model radiation response.     

Cherenkov radiation of a Josephson vortex moving in a sandwich embedded in a dielectric medium

A motion of a Josephson vortex in a long sandwich embedded in a dielectric medium is described. If the velocity of the vortex is greater than the velocity of light in the dielectric, terahertz-band Cherenkov radiation is generated and emitted from the lateral surface of the sandwich. The radiation loss power is determined. In the case when radiation loss is compensated for by the energy gain due to transport current, a relation between the current and the velocity of the vortex is obtained.     

热辐射输运问题的隐式蒙特卡罗方法求解

热辐射与物质相互作用及辐射光子在物质中的传输是惯性约束聚变研究中的重要课题. 介绍了基于隐式蒙特卡罗方法的辐射输运方程,在该方程的积分-微分形式基础上,推导了利于蒙特卡罗方法模拟的等价的积分输运方程;基于积分方程设计数值模拟流程,编写三维蒙特卡罗数值模拟程序;针对热辐射输运典型问题及benchmark问题开展了数值实验,计算结果验证了方法的适应性及程序的正确性. 关键词： 热辐射 惯性约束聚变 输运方程 隐式蒙特卡罗     

Medical and industrial applications of nuclear reaction physics

An understanding of the interactions of neutrons and protons below a few hundred MeV with nuclei is important for a number of applications. In this paper, two new applications are discussed: radiation transport calculations of energy deposition in fast neutron and proton cancer radiotherapy to optimize the dose given to a tumor; and intermediate-energy proton accelerators which are currently being designed for a range of applications including the destruction of long-lived radioactive nuclear waste. We describe nuclear theory calculations of direct, preequilibrium, and compound nucleus reaction mechanisms important for the modeling of these systems.     

Lunar soil as shielding against space radiation

We have measured the radiation transport and dose reduction properties of lunar soil with respect to selected heavy ion beams with charges and energies comparable to some components of the galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), using soil samples returned by the Apollo missions and several types of synthetic soil glasses and lunar soil simulants. The suitability for shielding studies of synthetic soil and soil simulants as surrogates for lunar soil was established, and the energy deposition as a function of depth for a particular heavy ion beam passing through a new type of lunar highland simulant was measured. A fragmentation and energy loss model was used to extend the results over a range of heavy ion charges and energies, including protons at solar particle event (SPE) energies. The measurements and model calculations indicate that a modest amount of lunar soil affords substantial protection against primary GCR nuclei and SPE, with only modest residual dose from surviving charged fragments of the heavy beams.     

Production and transport of hadrons generated in nuclear cascades initiated by muons in the rock (exclusive approach)

Monte Carlo calculation of differential distributions of hadrons going into LVD (Large Volume Detector) experimental hall from the rock was performed. Probability of energy transfer into nuclear cascade by muon is taken according to Bezrukov and Bugaev (1981) giving 9.45×10⁻⁶ inelastic muon-nucleus interactions per gram per year at the depth of Gran Sasso. Simulation of hadron cascades in the rock was made using the universal hadron transport code SHIELD. It allowed to calculate transport of hadrons at energy up to 1 TeV providing the exclusive simulation of nuclear reactions in the whole energy range. Differential distributions of neutrons, protons and charged pions are obtained for the roof, walls and floor of the hall separately in absolute units. Total number of hadrons with energy above 15 MeV going into the hall is about 250 particles per m² per year. Number of ingoing neutrons is in good agreement with measurement. The yield of high energy hadrons (>1 GeV) in backward hemisphere is observed. Possible role of K⁰-mesons as a source of background events in LVD is distinguished.     

Investigation on non-LTE radiation emitted from a laser-irradiated Au disk

1 Introduction The laser-target coupling physics is a key topic in indirect-driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and X-ray application research[1―3]. When intense laser light irradiates the solid target, the plasmas are produced rapidly on the surface of the target. The laser en-ergy is mainly absorbed by inverse bremsstrahlung absorption, and a coronal region with high-temperature and low-density plasma is formed. Electron thermal conduction proc-ess transfers energy into over-dense re…     

INDRA 能区重离子输运过程的系统研究及对称能探测

基于改进的极端相对论量子分子动力学(UrQMD) 输运模型,通过细致考察初始化、状态方程及两体碰撞等系统研究了INDRA 能区重离子碰撞后出射的自由核子及轻粒子的集体流和核阻止本领等观测量。研究发现,一个采用带动量依赖的软的状态方程及动量修正的密度依赖的核子核子弹性散射截面的动力学输运过程能够很好描述INDRA 全能域内实验获得的中心快度区的氢同位素的直接流。利用该套输运系统还研究了直接流平衡能对对称势能密度依赖强度因子的敏感性。发现,出射的自由中子平衡能敏感依赖于对称势能的密度依赖,而自由质子却不会。同时还发现,利用两Sn 同位素系列反应出射的自由中子直接流的平衡能与初始中子/质子比的关系可以很好地探测对称能的密度依赖。The terms of initialization, equation of state (EoS), and two-body collision in the updated ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model are examined in details so as to systematically study the collective flows and the nuclear stopping of free nucleons and light clusters from heavy-ion collisions at INDRA energies. It is seen that at INDRA energies the dynamic transport with a soft EoS with momentum dependence and with the momentum-modified density-dependent nucleon-nucleon elastic cross sections describes the directed flow exhibited by hydrogen isotopes (Z= 1) emitted at midrapidity fairly well. The sensitivity of the balance energy (Ebal) of the directed flow to the strength parameter of the density dependence of symmetry potential energy is further studied with the same parameter set. It is found that the Ebal of neutrons from HICs is particularly sensitive to the density dependence of the symmetry potential energy, while that of protons is not. And, the initial neutron/proton ratio dependence of the balance energy of neutrons from Sn isotopes can be taken as a useful probe to constrain the stiffness of the nuclear symmetry energy.