Linear Energy Transfer Particles Research Articles

Characterization of 2D Al2O3:C,Mg radiophotoluminescence films in charged particle beams

In particle-therapy, 2D dosimetry systems require high spatial resolution and linear dose response as the patient treatment show steep gradients of dose in depth. In this work we report on the characterization of the radiophotoluminescence (RPL) response from Al₂O₃:C,Mg films exposed to proton (61.3 MeV, 91.5 MeV, 155.5 MeV and 230 MeV) and carbon clinical beams (110 MeV/u). The film response is evaluated in terms of properties particularly important for relative dose measurements, as dose response, film uniformity and minimum detectable dose. The films, based on coatings with average grain sizes of ≈7 μm, demonstrate a better response than those used in our previous studies, with grain sizes of ≈47 μm. Moreover, the Linear Energy Transfer (LET) changes when penetrating through material and it is known that solid-state detectors change luminescence efficiency ηHT,γ as a function of LET. Therefore, we performed a detailed characterization of our new film to evaluate its response as function of dose and LET. The ηHT,γ curve, as a function of particle LET, obtained from discrete dose points (slabs) ηHT,γ is compared with the ηHT,γ curves from Al₂O₃:C (OSL) and Al₂O₃:C,Mg (RPL) films from our previous study. The ηHT,γ curves are consistent with Birks’ law, where we observe expected quenching for increasing LET. Additionally, we present 2D RPL images, using a wedge phantom, from Al₂O₃:C,Mg films irradiated with proton and carbon beams, which resulted in a 2D depth dose distribution of the Bragg curve and a comparable LET dependence with the data obtained with the slabs. The results confirm that the images obtained can be advantageously applied to obtain dose distribution in proton and carbon therapy without many corrections.

Single-Event Upsets in a 7-nm Bulk FinFET Technology With Analysis of Threshold Voltage Dependence

In this work, single-event upset (SEU) responses of D flip-flop (FF) designs with different threshold-voltage options in a 7-nm bulk FinFET technology are examined. Experimental data imply that single-event (SE) cross section depends heavily on supply voltage and particle linear energy transfer (LET) values. For close-to-nominal supply voltages and low-LET particles, the SEU response differs very little between threshold-voltage options; however, for low supply voltages and high-LET particles, experimental data indicate that FFs are more susceptible to SEUs at higher threshold voltages. These results are consistent with schematic-level simulations run to estimate the effect of threshold voltage on SE transient (SET) pulsewidth (PW) and D-FF feedback-loop delay. Additional technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations show that SET current PWs for worst case strikes on an inverter are largely independent on threshold voltage at low LET values. All these results together suggest that the weak dependence of SEU response on threshold voltage is due to the FinFET structure and charge-collection mechanisms.

Wide-range tracking and LET-spectra of energetic light and heavy charged particles

We developed a highly-selective technique to measure the energy loss and linear-energy-transfer (LET) spectra of energetic charged particles in high-resolution and over a large collection of particle-event types. Precise and wide-range spectral and tracking measurements were performed with a single semiconductor pixel detector. The quantum-counting sensitivity, high-granularity and per-pixel spectrometric response of the Timepix ASIC chip enable the detailed spectral-tracking registration of single charged particles across the detector semiconductor sensor. Both the deposited energy along the particle trajectory (energy loss) and the path length of the particle track across the semiconductor sensor are precisely measured for each particle. This allows for the determination of the particle LET in silicon in high accuracy and over a wide-range of energies, particle types and directions. The tracking and energy loss response together with the resolving power at the particle-event level make it possible to selectively provide LET distributions of the light and heavy charged particle components in mixed-radiation and omnidirectional fields. This technique applies to energetic (E > 10 MeV/u) charged particles generating tracks greater than the pixel size and incident at non-perpendicular direction (>20∘) to the sensor plane. The technique applies also to electrons of energy above few MeV as well as highly energetic and minimum-ionizing-particles (MIPs). We make use of existing and in part newly collected data at well-defined radiation fields with proton and light ion beam accelerators. Flexible measurements, ease of deployment and online response are possible by the use of compact readout electronics such as the miniaturized radiation camera MiniPix (size < 8 cm, weight < 50 g) operable by any PC. Results are given for protons and light ions (He, C) of selected energies above 10 MeV/u and directions (2π FoV). We include also electrons (20 MeV). Selective and detailed LET spectra are produced over a wide range (10−1 to 102 keV/μm) in silicon.

Relative Biological Effectiveness of High LET Particles on the Reproductive System and Fetal Development.

During a space mission, astronauts are inevitably exposed to space radiation, mainly composed of the particles having high values of linear energy transfer (LET), such as protons, helium nuclei, and other heavier ions. Those high-LET particles could induce severer health damages than low-LET particles such as photons and electrons. While it is known that the biological effectiveness of a specified type of radiation depends on the distribution of dose in time, type of the cell, and the biological endpoint in respect, there are still large uncertainties regarding the effects of high-LET particles on the reproductive system, gamete, embryo, and fetal development because of the limitation of relevant data from epidemiological and experimental studies. To safely achieve the planned deep space missions to the moon and Mars that would involve young astronauts having reproductive functions, it is crucial to know exactly the relevant radiological effects, such as infertility of the parent and various diseases of the child, and then to conduct proper countermeasures. Thus, in this review, the authors present currently available information regarding the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of high-LET particles on the deterministic effects related to the reproductive system and embryonic/fetal development for further discussions about the safety of being pregnant after or during a long-term interplanetary mission.

A high-throughput alpha particle irradiation system for monitoring DNA damage repair, genome instability and screening in human cell and yeast model systems.

Ionizing radiation (IR) is environmentally prevalent and, depending on dose and linear energy transfer (LET), can elicit serious health effects by damaging DNA. Relative to low LET photon radiation (X-rays, gamma rays), higher LET particle radiation produces more disease causing, complex DNA damage that is substantially more challenging to resolve quickly or accurately. Despite the majority of human lifetime IR exposure involving long-term, repetitive, low doses of high LET alpha particles (e.g. radon gas inhalation), technological limitations to deliver alpha particles in the laboratory conveniently, repeatedly, over a prolonged period, in low doses and in an affordable, high-throughput manner have constrained DNA damage and repair research on this topic. To resolve this, we developed an inexpensive, high capacity, 96-well plate-compatible alpha particle irradiator capable of delivering adjustable, low mGy/s particle radiation doses in multiple model systems and on the benchtop of a standard laboratory. The system enables monitoring alpha particle effects on DNA damage repair and signalling, genome stability pathways, oxidative stress, cell cycle phase distribution, cell viability and clonogenic survival using numerous microscopy-based and physical techniques. Most importantly, this method is foundational for high-throughput genetic screening and small molecule testing in mammalian and yeast cells.

Study on the Charge Collection Mechanism of Single Event Transient Effect for Nano N-Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor

Based on the mechanism of charge collection, drift and diffusion, the influence of incident position, drain bias and incident particle LET (Linear Energy Transfer) value on the charge collection of NMOS devices is analyzed. It is found that the strongest electric field in drain depletion region is at 70 nm, and the maximum transient current is 3.43 mA. Drain bias affects the electric field in drain region. The higher drain bias is, the greater the electric field is, and the transient current is the larger of the peak value is, and the change of drain bias does not affect the diffusion current part; the larger the LET is, the larger the set current is, and the transient current peak value and collection charge increase linearly with the increase of LET. In addition, for a single transistor, the influence of the reduction of gate length on the bipolar amplification is analyzed, which is discovered that the reduction of gate length results in the aggravation of the single event effect. Therefore, the simulation results provide valuable reference for research on irradiation reliability and application of strained integrated circuit of Si Nano-scale NMOSFET.

Measurement System Design of Micro-Dose Experimental Spectrum

Tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) is used to measure the micro-dose spectrum of ionizing radiation. Through changing tissue-equivalent gas pressure, TEPC can simulate the case of radiation energy deposition in different sizes of human cells. Various dosimetric quantities can be obtained such as absorbed dose, radiation quality factor and micro-dose equivalent. Because TEPC simulated cell size is less than the range of ionizing radiation particles, TEPC can be used as linear energy transfer spectroscopy, which can identify different linear energy transfer particles in a mixed radiation field and play an important role in mixed neutron–photon radiation field monitoring and protection. A tissue equivalent proportional counter is designed and manufactured in this paper. Through the built of micro-dose detector signal testing platform, and the realization of measurement of micro-dose detector signal debugging and important parameters (stability, energy resolution, etc.) by [Formula: see text] source method, micro-dose energy spectrum analysis and experimental measurements of Cf-252 source were ultimately achieved. Results show that the detector has good sealing performance and stability, with 12 h stability better than 2.7%. Based on all the above spectra, micro-dosing spectrum of Cf-252 source was experimentally obtained.

Linear energy transfer of fission fragments of 235U and nucleation of gas bubbles in aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate

Fission fragments emitted in a fissile solution create tiny gas bubbles, the size of which is determined by the linear energy transfer (LET) of the particles. The LET of fission fragments of 235U in aqueous solutions of uranyl nitrate has been determined, and using methods adapted from the literature, the size of gas bubbles generated along the tracks of these particles has been estimated, revealing important variations with respect to particle LET and solution properties. Empirical correlations are presented for the maximum radius of radiolytic gas bubbles in unsaturated solutions of uranyl nitrate as a function of solution temperature and concentration. These can be used to predict the critical concentration of dissolved hydrogen necessary for the appearance of gas voids during nuclear criticality transients. The findings are intended for use in a future model of nuclear criticality transients in aqueous fissile solutions for the purposes of nuclear criticality safety assessment.

Soft X-ray Radiation and Monte Carlo Simulations: Good Tools to Describe the Radiation Chemistry of Sub-keV Electrons.

The description of the biological effects of ionizing radiation requires a good knowledge of the dose deposition processes at both the cellular and molecular scales. However, experimental studies on the energy deposition specificity of sub-keV electrons, produced by most radiations, including high-energy photons and heavy ions, are scarce. Soft X-rays (0.2-2 keV) are here used to probe the physical and physico-chemical events occurring upon exposure of liquid water to sub-keV electrons. Liquid water samples were irradiated with a monochromatic photon beam at the SOLEIL synchrotron. Hydroxyl radical quantification was conducted through HO• scavenging using benzoate to form fluorescent hydroxybenzoate. The yields of HO• radicals exhibit a minimum around 1.5 keV, in good agreement with indirect observation. Moreover, they are relatively independent of the benzoate concentration in the range investigated, which corresponds to scavenging times of 170 ns to 170 ps. These results provide evidence that sub-keV electrons behave as high linear energy transfer particles, since they are able to deposit tens to hundreds of electronvolts in nanometric volumes.

Estimations of relative biological effectiveness of secondary fragments in carbon ion irradiation of water using CR-39 plastic detector and microdosimetric kinetic model.

To estimate relative biological effectiveness (RBE) ascribed to secondary fragments in a lateral distribution of carbon ion irradiation. The RBE was estimated with the microdosimetric kinetic (MK) model and measured linear energy transfer (LET) obtained with CR-39 plastic detectors. A water phantom was irradiated by a 12 C pencil beam with energy of 380MeV/u at the Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center (GHMC), and CR-39 detectors were exposed to secondary fragments. Because CR-39 was insensitive to low LET, we conducted Monte Carlo simulations with Geant4 to calculate low LET particles. The spectra of low LET particleswere combined with experimental spectra to calculate RBE. To estimate accuracy of RBE, we calculated RBE by changing yield of low LET particles by±10% and±40%. At a small angle, maximum RBE by secondary fragments was 1.3 for 10% survival fractions. RBE values of fragments gradually decreased as the angle became larger. The shape of the LET spectra in the simulation reproduced the experimental spectra, but there was a discrepancy between the simulation and experiment for the relative yield of fragments. When the yield of low LET particles was changed by±40%, the change in RBE was smaller than 10%. An RBE of 1.3 was expected for secondary fragments emitted at a small angle. Although, we observed a discrepancy in the relative yield of secondary fragments between simulation and experiment, precision of RBE was not so sensitive to the yield of low LET particles.

Radiation hardening efficiency of gate sizing and transistor stacking based on standard cells

Soft error mitigation schemes inherently lead to penalties in terms of area usage, power consumption and/or performance metrics. This work provides a radiation hardening efficiency analysis of two possible selective node hardening based on standard cells: Gate Sizing and Transistor Stacking. The impact on the Single-Event Transient (SET) cross-section, layout area and leakage current is discussed. The results indicate that both techniques provide the same area overhead and high efficiency for low particle linear energy transfer. Further, although transistor stacking exhibits lower static power consumption, gate sizing still presents the best trade-off between area, performance and reliability. However, the hardening efficiency of transistor stacking is strongly dependent on the input signal of the gate. Thus, according to the application, this technique can possibly outperform gate sizing.

Study of clustered damage in DNA after proton irradiation based on density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise algorithm

The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule damage simulations with an atom level geometric model use the traversal algorithm that has the disadvantages of quite time-consuming, slow convergence and high-performance computer requirement. Therefore, this work presents a density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithm based on the spatial distributions of energy depositions and hydroxyl radicals (·OH). The algorithm with probability and statistics can quickly get the DNA strand break yields and help to study the variation pattern of the clustered DNA damage. Firstly, we simulated the transportation of protons and secondary particles through the nucleus, as well as the ionization and excitation of water molecules by using Geant4-DNA that is the Monte Carlo simulation toolkit for radiobiology, and got the distributions of energy depositions and hydroxyl radicals. Then we used the damage probability functions to get the spatial distribution dataset of DNA damage points in a simplified geometric model. The DBSCAN clustering algorithm based on damage points density was used to determine the single-strand break (SSB) yield and double-strand break (DSB) yield. Finally, we analyzed the DNA strand break yield variation trend with particle linear energy transfer (LET) and summarized the variation pattern of damage clusters. The simulation results show that the new algorithm has a faster simulation speed than the traversal algorithm and a good precision result. The simulation results have consistency when compared to other experiments and simulations. This work achieves more precise information on clustered DNA damage induced by proton radiation at the molecular level with high speed, so that it provides an essential and powerful research method for the study of radiation biological damage mechanism.

Empirical Modeling of FinFET SEU Cross Sections Across Supply Voltage

At the 14-/16-nm FinFET technology node, experimental heavy-ion single-event upset (SEU) cross sections have been obtained for a D flip-flop (DFF) with variation in supply voltage over a wide range of particle linear energy transfer (LET). An empirical model for predicting the SEU cross section as a function of supply voltage based on experimental data has been developed and verified. The results are consistent with low-LET particle irradiation findings from previous works that have indicated a strong exponential increase in SEU cross section with supply voltage scaling for FinFET technologies. Furthermore, this paper reveals the impact of supply voltage variations on a sensitive area for high-LET particle irradiation. The increase in cross section from nominal (0.8 V) to a specific reduced supply voltage for high-LET particle irradiation is constant and has been observed through experimental results across the high-LET particle spectrum. The 3-D TCAD simulations are used to characterize sensitive area affecting high-LET supply voltage-dependent SEU cross sections in the FinFET technology. The developed model will allow circuit designers to predict changes in the SEU cross section due to supply voltage variation for the 14-/16-nm technology node without extensive testing.

Exploiting SEU Data Analysis to Extract Fast SET Pulses

A method is presented to enhance single-event transient (SET) measurements by overcoming a common experimental limitation of minimum measurable pulse widths. As technology scales, SETs decrease in width and measurement circuits fundamentally cannot capture every fast transient capable of causing an error. A method has been developed to overcome this limitation by using a latch as a feedback-assisted fast transient capture circuit. Single-event upset (SEU) data are combined with SET data to extend pulsewidth acuity such that pulses faster than the minimum measurable SET pulsewidth are extracted. The method has been applied for a 14-/16-nm bulk FinFET technology node and predictions for logic single-event cross section reveal the impact of fast transients on the radiation response of logic circuits. Results including the extracted fast transients represent upper bound SEU cross sections. For high linear energy transfer (LET) particle irradiation, accounting for fast transients using the developed method results in negligible variation in logic SE cross section. However, for low LET particle irradiation, the method results in an order of magnitude increase in logic SE cross section.

Impact of Complex Logic Cell Layout on the Single-Event Transient Sensitivity

The design methodology based on standard cells is widely used in a broad range of very-large-scale integration (VLSI) applications. Furthermore, several optimization algorithms can be employed to address different constraints such as power consumption or reliability. This paper evaluates the implications of the usage of complex logic cells from a 45-nm standard-cell library to the single-event transient (SET) sensitivity under heavy ions. Results show that even though a reduction in the layout area is obtained when adopting complex logic gates, a slight reduction in the total sensitive area of the circuit is observed. Moreover, the effectiveness of the logical masking can be suppressed, leading to a higher SET cross section for high particle linear energy transfer (LET).

Contribution to dose in healthy tissue from secondary target fragments in therapeutic proton, He and C beams measured with CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors

The linear energy transfer (LET) spectrum, absorbed dose and dose equivalent from secondary particles of LET∞H2O ≥15 keV/μm deposited within the plateau of the Bragg curve in primary particle-induced nuclear target fragmentation reactions in tissue during proton and heavy ion radiotherapy were measured using CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors and analyzed by means of atomic force microscopy. It was found that secondary target fragments contributed 20% to dose equivalent for primary protons (157 MeV), 13% for primary helium ions (145 MeV/n) and 4% for primary carbon ions (383 MeV/n), respectively. Little research has been done on the contribution from these particles to primary given dose. The smaller contribution measured for energetic carbon ion beams compared to proton beams can be considered an advantage of carbon ion radiotherapy over proton radiotherapy.

Effects of head-only or whole-body exposure to very low doses of 4He (1000 MeV/n) particles on neuronal function and cognitive performance

On exploratory class missions, astronauts will be exposed to a range of heavy particles which vary in linear energy transfer (LET). Previous research has shown a direct relationship between particle LET and cognitive performance such that, as particle LET decreases the dose needed to affect cognitive performance also decreases. Because a significant portion of the total dose experienced by astronauts may be expected to come from exposure to low LET 4He particles, it would be important to establish the threshold dose of 4He particles that can produce changes in cognitive performance. The results indicated that changes in neuronal function and cognitive performance could be observed following both head-only and whole-body exposures to 4He particles at doses as low as 0.01–0.025 cGy. These results, therefore, suggest the possibility that astronauts on exploratory class missions may be at a greater risk for HZE-induced deficits than previously anticipated.

Luminescence efficiency of Al2O3:C,Mg radiophotoluminescence in charged particle beams

In hadron therapy, it is important to evaluate how sensitive a detector is upon radiation with varying ionization densities, i.e. linear energy transfer (LET), as the LET changes when penetrating through material. For solid-state detectors, it is therefore essential to characterize the luminescence efficiency (ηHT,γ) of the detector as a function of LET. In this work, we investigate the radiophotuminescence (RPL) response from Al2O3:C,Mg 2D films and crystals exposed to various high LET beams (1H, 4He, 12C, 28Si and 56Fe). The measured ηHT,γ curve from RPL films and crystals as function of the particle LET is compared with the ηHT,γ curve from Al2O3:C OSL samples. Furthermore, a 2D RPL image, from Al2O3:C,Mg films irradiated with a 61.3 MeV 40 mm diameter broad proton beam, depicts a 2D depth dose distribution of the Bragg peak and demonstrates similar LET dependence as from the luminescence efficiency curve. The ηHT,γ curves are consistent with Birks’ law, where we observe expected quenching for increasing LET.

Concepts and terms for dose/volume parameters in carbon-ion radiotherapy: Conclusions of the ULICE taskforce

PurposeThe Union of Light Ion Centers in Europe (ULICE) program addressed the need for uniting scientific results for carbon-ion radiation therapy obtained by several institutions worldwide in different fields of excellence, and translating them into a real benefit to the community. Particularly, the concepts for dose/volume parameters developed in photon radiotherapy cannot be extrapolated to high linear energy transfer particles. Methods and MaterialsThe ULICE-WP2 taskforce included radiation oncologists involved in carbon-ion radiation therapy and International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, radiation biologists, expert physicists in the fields of carbon-ion radiation therapy, microdosimetry, biological modeling and image-guided radiotherapy. Consensual reports emerged from multiple discussions within both the restricted group and the wider ULICE community. Public deliverables were produced and disseminated to the European Commission. ResultsHere we highlight the disparity in practices between treating centers, then address the main topics to finally elaborate specific recommendations. Although it appears relatively simple to add geometrical margins around the clinical target volume to obtain the planning target volume as performed in photon radiotherapy, this procedure is not appropriate for carbon-ion radiation therapy. Due to the variation of the radiation quality in depth, there is no generic relative biological effectiveness value for carbon-ions outside of an isolated point, for a given fractionation and specific experimental conditions. Absorbed dose and “equieffective dose” for specified conditions must always be reported. ConclusionsThis work contributed to the development of standard operating procedures for carbon-ion radiation therapy clinical trials. These procedures are now being applied, particularly in the first phase III international, multicenter trial (PHRC Étoile).

Effect of Transistor Variants on Single-Event Transients at the 14-/16-nm Bulk FinFET Technology Generation

Single-event transient (SET) data for the 14-/16-nm bulk finFET technology generation are presented and analyzed for variations in threshold voltage and number of fins in the transistor. The heavy-ion experimental data over a range of supply voltage allows for a comparison of the impact of drive current on the SET response of each transistor variant. The results show that the transistor drive current is a key factor for determining SET pulsewidths and cross sections for high linear energy transfer particle irradiation. Transistor variant data that result in matching transistor drive current show an excellent match for SET pulsewidths and cross sections.