【Technical Introduction】
Space radiation primarily consists of protons, electrons, and heavy ions. In low Earth orbit, more than 95% of the radiation is proton-based. When satellite system components are exposed to the space proton radiation environment, the controllers, memory units, and other electronic components may experience significant noise currents, leading to temporary system malfunctions, electronic component damage, and potential mission disruptions.
NARI has utilized its existing cyclotron, which provides a 30 MeV (mega-electron-volt) proton, to develop the proton irradiation platform for space components, and establish two-dimensional proton beam Profile measurement techniques (as shown in Figure 1). This enables precise testing of small samples, such as chips, for proton radiation verification.
Additionally, the institute has developed large-area proton radiation exposure (as shown in Figure 2) employing a six-axis robotic arm to move samples and utilizing a zigzag scanning method (as shown in Figure 3). This allows for extensive proton irradiation within a 30 cm x 30 cm area suitable for testing circuit boards, optoelectronic components and modules, and similar components. The proton irradiation distribution uniformity is within ±10%, meeting the requirements of verification specifications (as shown in Figure 4)
Figure 1. 2D Proton Beam Distribution Measurement Technology
Figure 2. Large-Area Proton Radiation Exposure Technology
Figure 3. Z-Shaped Scanning Method for Irradiating Test Samples
Figure 4. Simulation Technology for Large-Area Proton Radiation Exposure
【Project Planning/Technical Applications】
The NARI is planning to establish a Proton Irradiation Verification and Analysis Laboratory to provide space radiation simulation, testing, and fundamental and applied research. These include satellite component development, advanced semiconductor radiation effects research, radiation shielding material development, and space biomedical research. Additionally, NARI will seek to collaborate with international space research institutions to work together on space exploration and radiation research projects. NARI has established a 30 MeV Proton Irradiation Platform for Space Components, assisting domestic industry, academia, and research institutions in completing several proton testing and verification projects. This has made NARI a key provider of proton irradiation services for space components in the country. Aligned with national policy initiatives, NARI continues to enhance radiation environment testing technologies for space components, fostering the development of the domestic space industry and achieving the goal of self-sufficiency in critical space components.
【Future Development】
NARI's Co-60 irradiation facility and 30 MeV cyclotron have been utilized for space radiation testing applications. The mid-term goal is to establish a 28 to 70 MeV cyclotron to enhance Taiwan's space radiation testing capabilities. At this stage, NARI is integrating its existing 30 MeV cyclotron with domestic medical institutions' 230 MeV proton therapy platforms to provide 20 to 200 MeV proton irradiation testing services in compliance with ESCC 25100 standards. In the future, NARI will continue developing proton dosimetry and energy modulation modules, as well as radiation and thermal vacuum coupling test platforms, enabling reliability verification testing in space environments below 70 MeV. These efforts will progressively improve Taiwan's space component environmental testing infrastructure, supporting domestic industry, academia, and research institutions in conducting proton irradiation tests and fundamental and applied scientific research.
【Contact Information】
Name：Fu-Chung Hou
Phone：03-4711400#3405
E-mail：fchou@nari.org.tw |
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