Authors:

Elliot Wong

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About Paper:

With increased interest in launching satellites for a broad range of missions, predicting the performance of microelectronics in space environments is an increasingly critical need. Space radiation, a possible source of failures, consisted of the Van Allen Radiation Belts, Solar Particle Events (SPE), Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and a broad range of particles. As just one charged particle is capable of causing system failure, shielding is often needed. However, the added weight introduces the necessity for careful design. The shielding effectiveness of various materials from GCR consisting of protons, alpha particles, and high atomic number Z and energy ions are analyzed using the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) 1D Monte Carlo simulation tool. Initial investigations proved protons to be the most significant source of radiation in the space environment. As such, subsequent investigation concentrated on the most common 1 GeV proton at a fluence of 10^4 particles m^2s^-1. The SRIM metrics of ion distribution, ionization, energy to recoils, and collision events were used to methodically evaluate and compare the materials selected, to minimize adverse effects on microelectronics. A multi-layer approach was initially proposed containing Lead and Polyethylene; however, recent simulations have proven hexagonal-Boron Nitride to be a more effective low Z material for blocking remaining energy at reduced weight. The model data will be compared to experimental data, with additional experiments being planned to resolve any inconsistencies. Geant4, a 3D Monte Carlo simulation tool, will be used to verify the importance of alternating layers.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Elliot Wong