Photonuclear and Radiation Effects Testing with a Refurbished 20 MeV Medical Electron Linac

An S-band 20 MeV electron linear accelerator formerly used for medical applications has been recommissioned to provide a wide range of photonuclear activation studies as well as various radiation effects on biological and microelectronic systems. Four radiation effect applications involving the elec...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Webb, T., Beezhold, W., DeVeaux, L., Harmon, F., Petrisko, J., Spaulding, R., Assink, R.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical equipment
Electron beams
Linear accelerators
Linear particle accelerator
Medical services
Medical tests
Microelectronics
Microorganisms
Neutrons
Radiation effects
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Summary:An S-band 20 MeV electron linear accelerator formerly used for medical applications has been recommissioned to provide a wide range of photonuclear activation studies as well as various radiation effects on biological and microelectronic systems. Four radiation effect applications involving the electron/photon beams are described. Photonuclear activation of a stable isotope of oxygen provides an active means of characterizing polymer degradation. Biological irradiations of microorganisms including bacteria were used to study total dose and dose-rate effects on survivability and the adaptation of these organisms to repeated exposures. Microelectronic devices including bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and diodes were irradiated to study photocurrent from these devices as a function of peak dose rate with comparisons to computer modeling results. In addition, the 20 MeV linac may easily be converted to a medium energy neutron source which has been used to study neutron damage effects on transistors.
ISSN:1944-4680
2152-9582
DOI:10.1109/PAC.2005.1591111