In addition to developing and constructing radiation sensitive detector and monitoring systems, we often need to consider their longer-term performance in challenging radiation environments, such as those found in the accelerator, nuclear and space industries. The damaging effects of radiation on devices and electronics can range from degradation to catastrophic failure. In the group we have extensive expertise in radiation environment simulation and irradiation testing for evaluating the impact on instrumentation (both state-of-the-art and commercial-off-the-shelf). We are responsible for coordinating the radiation background programme for the ATLAS experiment at CERN, and we have successfully partnered with UK tech companies in the research and development of products for application in challenging radiation environments. (Links to some success stories - needs input from ian?)
Computational modelling plays a crucial role in simulating radiation environments and is a powerful and cost-effective method (compared to radiation testing) for optimising product design or evaluating shielding mitigation strategies. We use the latest state-of-the-art 3D Monte Carlo simulation tools (e.g. FLUKA, GEANT4, MCNP6) and provide radiation simulation services to CERN and industry.
Radiation testing plays a key role in the testing and qualification of detector systems. We have led on numerous test campaigns and have strong links with irradiation facilities, which include: powerful cobalt 60 gamma sources for investigating ionising dose damage; nuclear research reactors for studying dose and atomic displacement damage; high energy proton beams for bulk damage and ionising dose studies. For industry we provide guidance and support throughout tests (especially useful for SMEs) to ensure a successful irradiation campaign.