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At least 1,675 records · Page 93
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

DETECTION OF OH{sup +} IN TRANSLUCENT INTERSTELLAR CLOUDS: NEW ELECTRONIC TRANSITIONS AND PROBING THE PRIMARY COSMIC RAY IONIZATION RATE

We present the detection of rotationally resolved electronic transitions in the OH{sup +} A{sup 3}Π–X{sup 3}Σ{sup −} (0, 0) and (1, 0) bands toward CD-32 4348, HD 63804, HD 78344, and HD 80077. These four translucent clouds have been studied in a recent Very Large Telescope/Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph observational run. In total, seven absorption features of OH{sup +} are detected, and six of them are identified here for the first time, providing a precise tool to trace OH{sup +} in translucent interstellar clouds. An improved set of line positions and oscillator strengths is compiled to support our data interpretation. A dedicated analysis of the observed features in individual targets yields an accurate determination of OH{sup +} column densities. The results are applied to estimate the primary cosmic ray ionization rate in the investigated translucent clouds, which yields a typical value of ∼1.0 × 10{sup −16} s{sup −1}. In addition, following this work, two of the new interstellar features recently reported by Bhatt and Cami, at ∼3572.65 and 3346.96 Å, can be identified as OH{sup +} absorption lines now.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Momentum-resolved above-threshold ionization of deuterated water

We present momentum-resolved coincidence measurements of strong-field single and double ionization of deuterated water (D 2 O) using intense few-cycle laser pulses. We measure the vector momentum of electrons and ions resulting from the laser-molecule interaction. This enables us to measure the photoelectron spectrum for electrons in coincidence with fragment ions having different momenta, which can be related to different final states of the cation and dication. The photoelectron spectra for different fragment ion momenta show striking differences, which can be interpreted in terms of the removal of electrons from different molecular orbitals, including the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), as well as more deeply bound ones (e.g., HOMO-2). Here, we discuss our measurements in light of calculations which model the strong-field light matter interaction.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Angular interferences of sequentially ionized double-continuum wave packets

Following the recent report of energy and angle interferences in below-threshold photoexcitation Auger processes due to postcollision interactions [Wang and Robicheaux, Phys. Rev. A 98, 013421 (2018)], similar interferences are also found in double-continuum wave packets from a two-step time-delayed photoionization of a two-electron atom. Properties of the interferences are studied in detail with respect to laser pulse time widths, laser frequency chirping, and ionization time delay. Furthermore, the effects of these physical quantities on the resulting interferences are discussed.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

First measurement of the ionization yield of nuclear recoils in liquid argon

Liquid phase argon has long been used as a target medium for particle detection via scintillation light. Recently there has been considerable interest in direct detection of both hypothetical darkmatter particles and coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering. These as-yet unobserved neutral particle interactions are expected to result in a recoiling argon atom O(keV), generally referred to in the literature as a nuclear recoil. This prompts the question of the available electromagnetic signal in a liquid argon detector. In this Letter we report the first measurement of the ionization yield (Qy), detected electrons per unit energy, resulting from nuclear recoils in liquid argon, measured at 6.7 keV. This is also the lowest energy measurement of nuclear recoils in liquid argon.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Polarization-Dependent Self-Injection by Above Threshold Ionization Heating in a Laser Wakefield Accelerator

Here, we report on the experimental observation of a decreased self-injection threshold by using laser pulses with circular polarization in laser wakefield acceleration experiments in a nonpreformed plasma, compared to the usually employed linear polarization. A significantly higher electron beam charge was also observed for circular polarization compared to linear polarization over a wide range of parameters. Theoretical analysis and quasi-3D particle-in-cell simulations reveal that the self-injection and hence the laser wakefield acceleration is polarization dependent and indicate a different injection mechanism for circularly polarized laser pulses, originating from larger momentum gain by electrons during above threshold ionization. This enables electrons to meet the trapping condition more easily, and the resulting higher plasma temperature was confirmed via spectroscopy of the XUV plasma emission.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Higher Harmonics in Multipactor Induced Plasma Ionization Breakdown near a Dielectric Surface

In this Letter, the novel physics of higher harmonic (HH) generation of the normal electric field near a dielectric surface is reported in multipactor induced plasma ionization breakdown, as determined by kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. The observed HH frequency is around ten times the fundamental rf driving frequency, but lower than the electron plasma frequency. A theory is constructed which indicates that stream plasma interaction-induced instability is the mechanism of HH generation in the collisional regime. The HH frequency and its corresponding growth rate of the HH oscillation amplitude from the theory are in good agreement with kinetic particle-in-cell simulations.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Total Ionizing Dose Effects on Strained Ge pMOS FinFETs on Bulk Si

In this paper, we have characterized the total ionizing dose response of strained Ge p MOS FinFETs built on bulk Si using a fin replacement process. Devices irradiated to 1.0 Mrad(SiO 2 ) show minimal transconductance degradation (less than 5%), very small V th shifts (less than 40 mV in magnitude) and very little ON/OFF current ratio degradation (<5%), and only modest variation in radiation response with transistor geometry (typically less than normal part-to-part variation). Both before and after irradiation, the performance of these strained Ge p MOS FinFETs is far superior to that of past generations of planar Ge p MOS devices. Finally, these improved properties result from significant improvements in processing technology, as well as the enhanced gate control provided by the strained Ge FinFET technology.

10 keV X-ray↗
DOE OSTI2017

Application of a Focused, Pulsed X-ray Beam for Total Ionizing Dose Testing of Bipolar Linear Integrated Circuits

Here, we demonstrate the utility of focused, pulsed X-rays for investigating localized total ionizing dose effects in bipolar analog integrated circuits. Using the LM139 comparator as a test vehicle, we show how the technique can be used to identify the sources of degradation as a result of irradiating different transistors of the device and how this impacts the input bias current, input offset voltage, and output voltage. The 2-D mapping of the sensitive regions of transistors is presented, where the results of localized irradiation impact the monitored operational parameters.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Multiscale Modeling of Total Ionizing Dose Effects in Commercial-off-the-Shelf Parts in Bipolar Technologies

A multiscale modeling platform that supports the “virtual” qualification of commercial-off-the-shelf parts is presented. The multiscale approach is divided into two modules. The first module generates information related to the bipolar junction transistor gain degradation that is a function of fabrication process, operational, and environmental inputs. The second uses this information as inputs for radiation-enabled circuit simulations. The prototype platform described in this paper estimates the total ionizing dose and dose rate responses of linear bipolar integrated circuits for different families of components. The simulation and experimental results show good correlation and suggest this platform to be a complementary tool within the radiation-hardness assurance flow. Finally, the platform may reduce some of the costly reliance on testing for all systems.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2019

Total-Ionizing-Dose Effects and Low-Frequency Noise in 16-nm InGaAs FinFETs With HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 Dielectrics

Here, total-ionizing-dose mechanisms are investigated in 16-nm InGaAs FinFETs with an HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 gate-stack. Transistors are irradiated up to 500 krad(SiO 2 ) and annealed at high temperatures. Irradiated devices show negative threshold-voltage V th shifts, subthreshold stretch-out, and leakage current increases. These result from positive charge trapping in the gate oxide and shallow trench insulators, and increases in the interface and border-trap charge densities. Low-frequency noise measurements at different temperatures indicate a significant increase of noise magnitude in irradiated devices at an activation energy of ~0.4 eV. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations strongly suggest that transistor V th shifts are due primarily to hole trapping at oxygen vacancies in HfO 2 , and the increased noise is due primarily to O vacancies in Al 2 O 3 . Additional contributions to the noise from defects in the GaAs buffer layer are also likely, primarily at low temperatures.

total dose effects↗
DOE OSTI2020

Layer-Dependent Bit Error Variation in 3-D NAND Flash Under Ionizing Radiation

In this paper, we studied the total ionization dose (TID) effects on the multilevel-cell (MLC) 3-D NAND flash memory using Co-60 gamma radiation. We found a significant page-to-page bit error variation within a physical memory block of the irradiated memory chip. Our analysis showed that the origin of the bit error variation is the unique vertical layer-dependent TID response of the 3-D NAND. We found that the memory pages located at the upper and lower layers of the 3-D stack show higher fails compared to the middle-layer pages of a given memory block. We confirmed our findings by comparing radiation response of four different chips of the same specification. In addition, we compared the TID response of the MLC 3-D NAND with that of the 2-D NAND chip, which showed less page-to-page variation in bit error within a given memory block. We discuss the possible application of our findings for the radiation-tolerant smart memory controller design.

3-D NAND flash↗
DOE OSTI2013

Reference dosimetry at the Australian Synchrotron's imaging and medical beamline using free-air ionization chamber measurements and theoretical predictions of air kerma rate and half value layer

Purpose: Novel, preclinical radiotherapy modalities are being developed at synchrotrons around the world, most notably stereotactic synchrotron radiation therapy and microbeam radiotherapy at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. The imaging and medical beamline (IMBL) at the Australian Synchrotron has recently become available for preclinical radiotherapy and imaging research with clinical trials, a distinct possibility in the coming years. The aim of this present study was to accurately characterize the synchrotron-generated x-ray beam for the purposes of air kerma-based absolute dosimetry. Methods: The authors used a theoretical model of the energy spectrum from the wiggler source and validated this model by comparing the transmission through copper absorbers (0.1-3.0 mm) against real measurements conducted at the beamline. The authors used a low energy free air ionization chamber (LEFAC) from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and a commercially available free air chamber (ADC-105) for the measurements. The dimensions of these two chambers are different from one another requiring careful consideration of correction factors. Results: Measured and calculated half value layer (HVL) and air kerma rates differed by less than 3% for the LEFAC when the ion chamber readings were corrected for electron energy loss and ion recombination. The agreement between measured and predicted air kerma rates was less satisfactory for the ADC-105 chamber, however. The LEFAC and ADC measurements produced a first half value layer of 0.405 {+-} 0.015 and 0.412 {+-} 0.016 mm Cu, respectively, compared to the theoretical prediction of 0.427 {+-} 0.012 mm Cu. The theoretical model based upon a spectrum calculator derived a mean beam energy of 61.4 keV with a first half value layer of approximately 30 mm in water. Conclusions: The authors showed in this study their ability to verify the predicted air kerma rate and x-ray attenuation curve on the IMBL using a simple experimental method, namely, HVL measurements. The HVL measurements strongly supports the x-ray beam spectrum, which in turn has a profound effect on x-ray dosimetry.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Experimental analysis of general ion recombination in a liquid-filled ionization chamber in high-energy photon beams

Purpose: To study experimentally the general ion recombination effect in a liquid-filled ionization chamber (LIC) in high-energy photon beams. Methods: The general ion recombination effect on the response of a micro liquid ion chamber (microLion) was investigated with a 6 MV photon beam in normal and SRS modes produced from a Varian{sup Registered-Sign} Novalis Tx{sup TM} linear accelerator. Dose rates of the linear accelerator were set to 100, 400, and 1000 MU/min, which correspond to pulse repetition frequencies of 60, 240, and 600 Hz, respectively. Polarization voltages applied to the microLion were +800 and +400 V. The relative collection efficiency of the microLion response as a function of dose per pulse was experimentally measured with changing polarization voltage and pulse repetition frequencies and was compared with the theoretically calculated value. Results: For the 60 Hz pulse repetition frequency, the experimental relative collection efficiency was not different from the theoretical one for a pulsed beam more than 0.3% for both polarization voltages. For a pulsed radiation beam with a higher pulse repetition frequency, the experimental relative collection efficiency converged to the theoretically calculated efficiency for continuous beams. This result indicates that the response of the microLion tends toward the response to a continuous beam with increasing pulse repetition frequency of a pulsed beam because of low ion mobility in the liquid. Conclusions: This work suggests an empirical method to correct for differences in general ion recombination of a LIC between different radiation fields. More work is needed to quantitatively explain the LIC general ion recombination behavior in pulsed beams generated from linear accelerators.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-35: An Investigation of the Accuracy of Cervical IMRT Dose Distribution Using 2D/3D Ionization Chamber Arrays System and Monte Carlo Simulation

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to compare the verification results of three solutions (2D/3D ionization chamber arrays measurement and Monte Carlo simulation), the results will help make a clinical decision as how to do our cervical IMRT verification. Methods: Seven cervical cases were planned with Pinnacle 8.0m to meet the clinical acceptance criteria. The plans were recalculated in the Matrixx and Delta4 phantom with the accurate plans parameters. The plans were also recalculated by Monte Carlo using leaf sequences and MUs for individual plans of every patient, Matrixx and Delta4 phantom. All plans of Matrixx and Delta4 phantom were delivered and measured. The dose distribution of iso slice, dose profiles, gamma maps of every beam were used to evaluate the agreement. Dose-volume histograms were also compared. Results: The dose distribution of iso slice and dose profiles from Pinnacle calculation were in agreement with the Monte Carlo simulation, Matrixx and Delta4 measurement. A 95.2%/91.3% gamma pass ratio was obtained between the Matrixx/Delta4 measurement and Pinnacle distributions within 3mm/3% gamma criteria. A 96.4%/95.6% gamma pass ratio was obtained between the Matrixx/Delta4 measurement and Monte Carlo simulation within 2mm/2% gamma criteria, almost 100% gamma pass ratio within 3mm/3% gamma criteria. The DVH plot have slightly differences between Pinnacle and Delta4 measurement as well as Pinnacle and Monte Carlo simulation, but have excellent agreement between Delta4 measurement and Monte Carlo simulation. Conclusion: It was shown that Matrixx/Delta4 and Monte Carlo simulation can be used very efficiently to verify cervical IMRT delivery. In terms of Gamma value the pass ratio of Matrixx was little higher, however, Delta4 showed more problem fields. The primary advantage of Delta4 is the fact it can measure true 3D dosimetry while Monte Carlo can simulate in patients CT images but not in phantom.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-561: Development of Depth Dose Measurement Technique Using the Multilayer Ionization Chamber for Spot Scanning Method

Purpose: To develop a measurement technique which suppresses the difference between profiles obtained with a multilayer ionization chamber (MLIC) and with a water phantom. Methods: The developed technique multiplies the raw MLIC data by a correction factor that depends on the initial beam range and water equivalent depth. The correction factor is derived based on a Bragg curve calculation formula considering range straggling and fluence loss caused by nuclear reactions. Furthermore, the correction factor is adjusted based on several integrated depth doses measured with a water phantom and the MLIC. The measured depth dose profiles along the central axis of the proton field with a nominal field size of 10 by 10 cm were compared between the MLIC using the new technique and the water phantom. The spread out Bragg peak was 20 cm for fields with a range of 30.6 cm and 6.9 cm. Raw MLIC data were obtained with each energy layer, and integrated after multiplying by the correction factor. The measurements were performed by a spot scanning nozzle at Nagoya Proton Therapy Center, Japan. Results: The profile measured with the MLIC using the new technique is consistent with that of the water phantom. Moreover, 97% of the points passed the 1% dose /1mm distance agreement criterion of the gamma index. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the new technique suppresses the difference between profiles obtained with the MLIC and with the water phantom. It was concluded that this technique is useful for depth dose measurement in proton spot scanning method.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-625: Use and Choice of Ionization Chambers for the Commissioning of Flattened and Flattening-Filter-Free Photon Beams: Determination of Recombination Correction Factor (ks)

Purpose: To evaluate the recombination effect for some ionization chambers to be used for linacs commissioning for Flattened Filter (FF) and Flattening Filter Free (FFF) photon beams. Methods: A Varian TrueBeam linac with five photon beams was used: 6, 10 and 15 MV FF and 6 and 10 MV FFF. Measurements were performed in a water tank and in a plastic water phantom with different chambers: a mini-ion chamber (IC CC01, IBA), a plane-parallel ion chamber (IC PPC05, IBA) and two Farmer chambers (NE2581 and FPC05-IBA). Measurement conditions were Source- Surface Distance of 100 cm, two field sizes (10x10 and 40x40 cm2) and five depths (1cm, maximum buildup, 5cm, 10cm and 20cm). The ion recombination factors (kS), obtained from the Jaffe's plots (voltage interval 50-400 V), were evaluated at the recommended operating voltage of +300V. Results: Dose Per Pulse (DPP) at dmax was 0.4 mGy/pulse for FF beams, 1.0 mGy/pulse and 1.9 mGy/pulse for 6MV and 10 MV FFF beams respectively. For all measurement conditions, kS ranged between 0.996 and 0.999 for IC PPC05, 0.997 and 1.008 for IC CC01. For the FPC05 IBA Farmer IC, kS varied from 1.001 to 1.011 for FF beams, from 1.004 to 1.015 for 6 MV FFF and from 1.009 to 1.025 for 10 MV FFF. Whereas, for NE2581 IC the values ranged from 1.002 to 1.009 for all energy beams and measurement conditions. Conclusion: kS depends on the chamber volume and the DPP, which in turn depends on energy beam but is independent of dose rate. Ion chambers with small active volume can be reliably used for dosimetry of FF and FFF beams even without kS correction. On the contrary, for absolute dosimetry of FFF beams by Farmer ICs it is necessary to evaluate and apply the kS correction. Partially supported by Lega Italiana Lotta contro i Tumori (LILT)

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-645: Qualification of a 2D Ionization Chamber Array for Beam Steering and Profile Measurement

Purpose: Establish a procedure for beam steering and profile measurement using a 2D ionization chamber array and show equivalence to a water scanning system. Methods: Multiple photon beams (30×30cm{sup 2} field) and electron beams (25×25cm{sup 2} cone) were steered in the radial and transverse directions using Sun Nuclear’s IC PROFILER (ICP). Solid water was added during steering to ensure measurements were beyond the buildup region. With steering complete, servos were zeroed and enabled. Photon profiles were collected in a 30×30cm{sup 2} field at dmax and 2.9 cm depth for flattened and FFF beams respectively. Electron profiles were collected with a 25×25cm{sup 2} cone and effective depth (solid water + 0.9 cm intrinsic buildup) as follows: 0.9 cm (6e), 1.9 cm (9e), 2.9 cm (12e, 16e, 20e). Profiles of the same energy, field size and depth were measured in water with Sun Nuclear’s 3D SCANNER (3DS). Profiles were re-measured using the ICP after the in-water scans. Profiles measured using the ICP and 3DS were compared by (a) examining the differences in Varian’s “Point Difference Symmetry” metric, (b) visual inspection of the overlaid profile shapes and (c) calculation of point-by-point differences. Results: Comparing ICP measurements before and after water scanning showed very good agreement indicating good stability of the linac and measurement system. Comparing ICP Measurements to water phantom measurements using Varian’s symmetry metric showed agreement within 0.5% for all beams. The average magnitude of the agreement was within 0.2%. Comparing ICP Measurements to water phantom measurements using point-by-point difference showed agreement within 0.5% inside of 80% area of the field width. Conclusion: Profile agreement to within 0.5% was observed between ICP and 3DS after steering multiple energies with the ICP. This indicates that the ICP may be used for steering electron beams, and both flattened and FFF photon beams. Song Gao: Sun Nuclear’s invitation of speak and financial support for attending the 8th QA & Dosimetry Symposium in Orlando, Florida 2015.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-C-201-03: Ionization Chamber Collection Efficiency in Pulsed Radiation Fields of High Pulse Dose

Purpose: To investigate the reduction of collection efficiency of ionization chambers (IC) by volume recombination and its correction in pulsed fields of very high pulse dose. Methods: Measurements of the collection efficiency of a plane-parallel advanced Markus IC (PTW 34045, 1mm electrode spacing, 300V nominal voltage) were obtained for collection voltages of 100V and 300V by irradiation with a pulsed electron beam (20MeV) of varied pulse dose up to approximately 600mGy (0.8nC liberated charge). A reference measurement was performed with a Faraday cup behind the chamber. It was calibrated for the liberated charge in the IC by a linear fit of IC measurement to reference measurement at low pulse doses. The results were compared to the commonly used two voltage approximation (TVA) and to established theories for volume recombination, with and without considering a fraction of free electrons. In addition, an equation system describing the charge transport and reactions in the chamber was solved numerically. Results: At 100V collection voltage and moderate pulse doses the established theories accurately predict the observed collection efficiency, but at extreme pulse doses a fraction of free electrons needs to be considered. At 300V the observed collection efficiency deviates distinctly from that predicted by any of the established theories, even at low pulse doses. However, the numeric solution of the equation system is able to reproduce the measured collection efficiency across the entire dose range of both voltages with a single set of parameters. Conclusion: At high electric fields (3000V/cm here) the existing theoretical descriptions of collection efficiency, including the TVA, are inadequate to predict pulse dose dependency. Even at low pulse doses they might underestimate collection efficiency. The presented, more accurate numeric solution, which considers additional effects like electric shielding by the charges, might provide a valuable tool for future investigations. This project was funded by the German ministry of research and education (BMBF) under grant number: 03Z1N511 and by the state of Saxony under grant number: B 209.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗