Measurements In Pulsed Fields Research Articles

An improved hybrid photon detector based on a SiC Schottky diode

In order to improve the temporal response of SiC-HPMTs, a new SiC detector with a faster time response (leading edge 1.5 ns, FWHM 4 ns) was developed for constructing an improved SiC-HPMT. Then the properties of the improved SiC-HPMT were studied in detail. Compared with those of the previous SiC-HPMT, the temporal response of the improved SiC-HPMT, with a leading edge of about 2 ns and a FWHM of less than 5ns was effectively improved. The maximum linear current that exceeded 630 mA depends on both the accelerating and focusing voltage (Va) and the bias voltage (VSiC) of the SiC detector, but has a strong dependence on Va. The scintillation detector comprised of the improved SiC-HPMT and an EJ228 scintillator can accurately obtain the multiple peaks characteristic of the pulsed X-ray source, which indicates that the improved SiC-HPMT can well satisfy the requirements for measuring the time information of fast pulsed radiation fields. In addition, the SiC-HPMT should be placed at the position that deviates from the radiation beam to avoid the direct irradiation on the SiC detector. The improved SiC-HPMT will further expand its application in pulsed radiation field measurements and become a supplement for existing photoelectric detectors.

Measurements in pulsed neutron fields.

Dosimetry in pulsed and mixed radiation fields represents an important challenge in radiation measurements, because in several accelerator technologies, the acceleration occurs in bunches of particles with short time duration, producing intense radiation pulses spaced by a relatively long time of beam off. The stray mixed radiation field generated around these installations maintains the same time structure as the primary beam and causes a problem in workplace fields' monitoring. Active neutron detectors normally used in steady neutron fields, specifically REM-counters and Bonner sphere spectrometers, can suffer pulsed fields because of the high dead time losses during the bursts and are often inadequate for pulsed field monitoring. This work reviews the efforts of European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), and in particular of the Working Group 11 'High Energy Radiation Fields', to define the problem, characterize instrumentation and to propose solutions to the issue of pulsed and mixed radiation fields. Despite the EURADOS initiative, several open issues still remain. A metrological traceability for pulsed neutron fields is missing. There is still room for the optimization and better characterization of available instruments. Initiatives of education and training are required.

Measurement of high-power transient electromagnetic pulse field with integrated photonic electric-field sensor

To satisfy certain special requirements for high-power transient electromagnetic pulse (EMP) field measurements, such as high electric field intensity, broad bandwidth, fast rise time, and compact size, here is described an integrated electro-optic sensor. The frequency response in the range from 100 kHz to 12 GHz and the time-domain input/output characteristics of a sub-nanosecond EMP field with an intensity from 5 to 100 kV/m were experimentally characterized. The sensor was demonstrated to measure the time-domain waveform of the ultrawideband EMP field signals with a rise time of 0.35 ns and bandwidth of 1 GHz. In addition, the minimal detectable electric field strength was 16 mV/m/Hz1/2 in the frequency domain, and an intense sub-nanosecond electromagnetic pulse with a peak amplitude of 100 kV/m was observed in the time domain. The reported sensor is expected to be broadly used for intense EMP measurements.

Magnetic Breakdown and Topology in the Kagome Superconductor CsV_{3}Sb_{5} under High Magnetic Field.

The recently discovered layered kagome metals of composition AV_{3}Sb_{5} (A=K, Rb, Cs) exhibit a complex interplay among superconductivity, charge density wave order, topologically nontrivial electronic band structure and geometrical frustration. Here, we probe the electronic band structure underlying these exotic correlated electronic states in CsV_{3}Sb_{5} with quantum oscillation measurements in pulsed fields up to 86T. The high-field data reveal a sequence of magnetic breakdown orbits that allows the construction of a model for the folded Fermi surface of CsV_{3}Sb_{5}. The dominant features are large triangular Fermi surface sheets that cover almost half the folded Brillouin zone. These sheets have not yet been detected in angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy and display pronounced nesting. The Berry phases of the electron orbits have been deduced from Landau level fan diagrams near the quantum limit without the need for extrapolations, thereby unambiguously establishing the nontrivial topological character of several electron bands in this kagome lattice superconductor.

Active Dosimetry with the Ability to Distinguish Pulsed and Non-Pulsed Dose Rate Contributions

This paper presents the concept of an active dosimetry system and its operational regime for pulsed radiation dose rate measurements. The plastic scintillator is suggested to be used for absorbed dose rate measurements. As long as the detector can be considered tissue equivalent, the energy weighting of pile-up events in terms of the dose is achieved. The real-time distinction of pulsed and non-pulsed dose rate contributions is based on the time structure of a single interaction and requires only basic information about the beam time structure (pulses duration and period). The detector connected to a fully digital signal processing board creates an active dosimetry system with adjustable parameters. Such a system was used for absorbed dose rate measurements in pulsed photon field mimicking radiation field outside the bunker of a medical LINAC, but also in the presence of a constant radiation component. The results show a linear dependence of a pulsed radiation contribution on the accelerator current in the investigated range of the total dose rate up to 8 μGy/h.

Backwards extrapolation activation diagnostics and their dynamic range for pulsed neutron source measurements

Activation materials implanted within radiation detectors can be used to measure pulsed neutron fields. This work develops an instrument concept with the aim to maximise sensitivity to pulsed fusion neutron fields and, using a data-rejection algorithm combined with backwards extrapolation, enable neutron fluence estimates to be made over a large dynamic range. Through high-fidelity modelling of residual temporal emissions, and a parameterised approach, we study the sensitivity to neutrons of a plastic scintillator–Ag foil layer detector concept. For an optimal design we apply paralysable and non-paralysable deadtime models to the predicted response to D–D fusion neutron fields at various neutron field intensities. In high neutron fluence irradiation scenarios, where deadtime effects are strongly evident, we use our approach to make estimates of the fluence from instrument response data. We discuss the practical applications of such diagnostics used for plasma focus (PF) fusion experiments, such as at the PF-1000U facility in IPPLM, Poland, inertial confinement fusion and pulsed tokamak experiments, for example at MAST-U, where such diagnostics could complement fission counter-based neutron diagnostics in the future. Finally, we show that the calibration of such detection systems may be achieved using relatively low emission rate, steady state neutron sources, with calibration factors that are straightforward to apply to pulsed neutron field measurements.

High field magnetization ofFePS3

High field magnetization measurements in pulsed fields up to 65 T have been performed on ${\mathrm{FePS}}_{3}$, which is nominally a good example of a two-dimensional Ising-like antiferromagnet on a honeycomb lattice. Measurements with the field parallel to the moment direction confirm the presence of two first-order transitions above 35 T, to $M/{M}_{\mathrm{sat}}=1/2$ and $M/{M}_{\mathrm{sat}}=1$, respectively, at 4 K. The measurements are in contradiction with published estimates for the magnetic exchange parameters, but the contradiction can be resolved by allowing for anisotropic exchange parameters in the Hamiltonian. The magnetization with the field perpendicular to the moment direction is anisotropic, with no transitions observed for fields along the a axis while a cascade of first-order transitions is observed for fields above 50 T along the b axis, the latter case also showing a strong degradation of the sample after repeated pulses. The results indicate a strong magnetolattice coupling in ${\mathrm{FePS}}_{3}$. Temperature-dependent measurements hint at a possible tricritical point.

Dynamics of the magnetoelastic phase transition and adiabatic temperature change in Mn1.3Fe0.7P0.5Si0.55

The adiabatic temperature change ΔTad of a Mn1.3Fe0.7P0.5Si0.55 Fe2P-type alloy was measured under different magnetic field-sweep rates from 0.93 Ts−1 to 2870 Ts−1. We find a field-sweep-rate independent magnetocaloric effect due to a partial alignment of magnetic moments in the paramagnetic region overlapping with the magnetocaloric effect of the first-order phase transition. Additionally, the first-order phase transition is not completed even in fields up to 20 T leading to a non-saturating behavior of ΔTad. Measurements in different pulsed fields reveal that the first-order phase transition cannot follow the fast field changes as previously assumed, resulting in a distinct field-dependent hysteresis in ΔTad.

Fiber optical dose rate measurement based on the luminescence of beryllium oxide

This work presents a fiber optical dose rate measurement system based on the radioluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence of beryllium oxide. The system consists of a small, radiation sensitive probe which is coupled to a light detection unit with a long and flexible light guide. Exposing the beryllium oxide probe to ionizing radiation results in the emission of light with an intensity which is proportional to the dose rate. Additionally, optically stimulated luminescence can be used to obtain dose and dose rate information during irradiation or retrospectively. The system is capable of real time dose rate measurements in fields of high dose rates and dose rate gradients and in complex, narrow geometries. This enables the application for radiation protection measurements as well as for quality control in radiotherapy. One inherent drawback of fiber optical dosimetry systems is the generation of Cherenkov radiation and luminescence in the light guide itself when it is exposed to ionizing radiation. This so called “stem” effect leads to an additional signal which introduces a deviation in the dose rate measurement and reduces the spatial resolution of the system, hence it has to be removed. The current system uses temporal discrimination of the effect for radioluminescence measurements in pulsed radiation fields and modulated optically stimulated luminescence for continuous irradiation conditions. This work gives an overview of the major results and discusses new-found obstacles of the applied methods of stem discrimination.

Negative Longitudinal Magnetoresistance from the Anomalous N=0 Landau Level in Topological Materials

Negative longitudinal magnetoresistance (NLMR) is shown to occur in topological materials in the extreme quantum limit, when a magnetic field is applied parallel to the excitation current. We perform pulsed and dc field measurements on Pb_{1-x}Sn_{x}Se epilayers where the topological state can be chemically tuned. The NLMR is observed in the topological state, but is suppressed and becomes positive when the system becomes trivial. In a topological material, the lowest N=0 conduction Landau level disperses down in energy as a function of increasing magnetic field, while the N=0 valence Landau level disperses upwards. This anomalous behavior is shown to be responsible for the observed NLMR. Our work provides an explanation of the outstanding question of NLMR in topological insulators and establishes this effect as a possible hallmark of bulk conduction in topological matter.

Upper Critical Field and Kondo Effects in Fe(Te0.9Se0.1) Thin Films by Pulsed Field Measurements.

The transition temperatures of epitaxial films of Fe(Te0:9Se0:1) are remarkably insensitive to applied magnetic field, leading to predictions of upper critical fields Bc2(T = 0) in excess of 100 T. Using pulsed magnetic fields, we find Bc2(0) to be on the order of 45 T, similar to values in bulk material and still in excess of the paramagnetic limit. The same films show strong magnetoresistance in fields above Bc2(T), consistent with the observed Kondo minimum seen above Tc. Fits to the temperature dependence in the context of the WHH model, using the experimental value of the Maki parameter, require an effective spin-orbit relaxation parameter of order unity. We suggest that Kondo localization plays a similar role to spin-orbit pair breaking in making WHH fits to the data.

Dose measurements in pulsed radiation fields with commercially available measuring components.

Dose measurements in pulsed radiation fields with dosemeters using the counting technique are known to be inappropriate. Therefore, there is a demand for a portable device able to measure the dose in pulsed radiation fields. As a detector, ionisation chambers seem to be a good alternative. In particular, using a secondary standard ionisation chamber in combination with a reliable charge-measuring system would be a good solution. The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) uses secondary standard ionisation chambers in combination with PTB-made measuring electronics for dose measurements at its reference fields. However, for general use, this equipment is too complex. For measurements on-site, a mobile special electronic system [Hupe, O. and Ankerhold, U. Determination of ambient and personal dose equivalent for personnel and cargo security screening. Radiat. Prot. Dosim. 121: (4), 429-437 (2006)] has been used successfully. Still, for general use, there is a need for a much simpler but a just as good solution. A measuring instrument with very good energy dependence for H*(10) is the secondary standard ionisation chamber HS01. An easy-to-use and commercially available electrometer for measuring the generated charges is the UNIDOS by PTW Freiburg. Depending on the expected dose values, the ionisation chamber used can be selected. In addition, measurements have been performed by using commercially available area dosemeters, e.g. the Mini SmartION 2120S by Thermo Scientific, using an ionisation chamber and the Szintomat 6134 A/H by Automess, using a scintillation detector.

A Cryogen-free Cryostat for Scientific Experiment in Pulsed High Magnetic Fields

Traditional cryostats for scientific experiments in pulsed high magnetic fields use liquid helium as the cooling source. To reduce the running cost and to increase the operational efficiency, a cryogen-free cryostat based on a GM cryocooler has been developed for a 60 T pulsed field measurement cell at Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center. A double layer temperature-control insert was designed to obtain a stable temperature in the sample chamber of the cryostat. In order to eliminate the sample temperature fluctuation caused by the eddy current heating during the pulse, the inner layer is made from a fiberglass tubing with an epoxy coating. Different from the traditional cryostat, the sample and the temperature controller are not immerged in the 4He bath. Instead, they are separated by helium gas under sub-atmospheric pressure, which makes the heat transfer smoother. At the sample position, a resistance heater wound with antiparallel wires is mounted on the inner layer to heat the sample. Using the temperature-control insert, the temperature can be controlled with an accuracy of ±0.01K in the range of 1.4 K-20K, and ±0.05 K between 20K and 300K.

Giant magnetoresistance and field-induced magnetic phase transitions in Gd7Rh3 studied on single crystals

Magnetization measurements in steady and pulsed fields and magnetoresistance measurements in different field-current geometries on single crystalline samples have been employed to study the field-induced magnetic phase transitions in the antiferromagnetically (AF) ordered compound Gd7Rh3 with hexagonal crystal structure of the Th7Fe3 type. Below TN=141K, the magnetic structure transformations from AF to the forced ferromagnetic (FF) state, which are accompanied by a giant reduction of the electrical resistivity (up to 7 times at low temperatures), were observed under the magnetic fields along the c-axis and in the basal plane. This giant magnetoresistance is associated with magnetic superzone effects. The negative temperature coefficient of the electrical resistivity and a large magnetoresistance were also observed in the paramagnetic region in Gd7Rh3; which are suggested to result from the retention of short-range AF correlations in a wide temperature range above TN.

Neutron dose rate at the SwissFEL injector test facility: first measurements

At the Paul Scherrer Institute, the new SwissFEL Free Electron Laser facility is currently in the design phase. It is foreseen to accelerate electrons up to a maximum energy of 7 GeV with a pulsed time structure. An injector test facility is operated at a maximum energy of 300 MeV and serves as the principal test and demonstration plant for the SwissFEL project. Secondary radiation is created in unavoidable interactions of the primary beam with beamline components. The resulting ambient dose-equivalent rate due to neutrons was measured along the beamline with different commercially available survey instruments. The present study compares the readings of these neutron detectors (one of them is specifically designed for measurements in pulsed fields). The experiments were carried out in both, a normal and a diagnostic mode of operation of the injector.

Determination of the intersublattice exchange interactions in GdCo12-xFexB6 (x = 0-3) intermetallic compounds by high field magnetization measurements

High field magnetization measurements up to 60 T on free powder samples from GdCo12-xFexB6 (x = 0-3) compounds are reported. The data were used to evaluate the microscopic exchange interaction integral, JGd-3d, between Gd and 3d (Co,Fe) spins. The systems are ferrimagnets; they order magnetically between TC = 95 K for x = 3 and TC = 165 K for x = 0. The low temperature magnetization curves as well as the temperature dependence of intrinsic magnetic parameters are determined by magnetic measurements in pulsed magnetic field. The average magnetic moment ⟨μCo+Fe⟩ per mean transition metal atom (Co + Fe) is small and increases with increasing Fe concentration from 0.44 μΒ for x = 0 to 0.51 μΒ for x = 3 at T = 4 K. From high field magnetization curves, a value of JGd-3d/kB = −4.65 K is derived for x = 0, whereas mean field approximation yields a much larger 3d-3d exchange integral of JCo-Co/kB = 105 K. The obtained results reveal an increase of −JGd-3d/kB with Fe concentration. For x = 0.5, the intersublattice coefficient nGd-3d is found to keep an almost constant value of 5.87 ± 0.13 T*f.u.*μB−1 whatever the temperature in the 2 to 60 K range.

Recent results of irradiations of DIS-1 dosemeters with an XR200 X-ray flash unit

Earlier measurements have revealed that active electronic dosemeters have deficiencies in pulsed fields of ionising radiation due to the counting technique used. The DIS-1 dosemeter uses a promising technology, which should be basically suitable for measurements in pulsed fields. In this paper, first measurements with the DIS-1 dosemeter at an X-ray flash generator XR200 with pulse durations of ∼115 ns and doses per pulse of a few microsievert are shown.

High magnetic field study of the Gd-Co exchange interactions in GdCo12B6

Pulsed magnetic fields up to 68 Tesla have been used to determine the intersublattice coupling strength and its temperature dependence of GdCo12B6 compound. This compound exhibits ferrimagnetic behaviour below 163 ± 2 K. Two antiferromagnetically coupled sublattices cancel out at compensation temperature at about 48 K. They are carrying magnetization of typically 0.42 μB/Co atom and 7 μB/Gd. The intrinsic magnetic properties of the GdCo12B6 compound have been determined by combining low temperature magnetic measurements in both steady and pulsed magnetic field, as well as isofield studies in steady field. At 4.2 K, the magnetization curve of GdCo12B6 is found to reach the full saturation with sum of both sublattice magnetizations for an applied magnetic field of about 68 T. In addition a detailed study is presented in the whole ordered temperature range on the basis of magnetization curves recorded using pulsed magnetic field up to 60 T. This has enabled to investigate the intersublattice coupling strength and its temperature dependence, a value JCo-Gd/kB = −5.3 ± 0.3 K is derived from the magnetization curves whereas one gets much larger value for JCo-Co/kB = 108 K.

SU‐E‐T‐310: Investigation of Neutron Survey Meter Response in Pulsed Fields

Purpose: To determine the behavior of neutron survey meters under conditions that are not representative of calibration conditions; specifically, when performing measurements in pulsed fields consisting of both photons and neutrons as opposed to an AmBe or Cf‐252 source. It is well understood that not all types of photon survey meters are suitable for use in pulsed fields, and experience suggests that this may also be the case for measurements made using typical neutron meters. Methods: A series of measurements were performed to evaluate the response of five different neutron survey meters. The first measurements evaluated their response in monoenergetic neutron fields between 50 keV and 18 MeV produced using a Van de Graaff accelerator. Dose conversion factors were applied to the known neutron fluence and the results were in turn compared to the measured dose rates. These results were also compared to the energy response curves provided by the manufacturers. The second set of measurements focused on photon rejection. The manufacturerˈs photon rejection specifications were first verified through Cs‐137 exposures at dose rates of up to 10 Sv/h. These results were then compared to photon rejection measurements from exposures in both a 6 MV and 18MV medical accelerator field. Results: A complete analysis of the results has not been completed at the time of submission. Initial results show that some neutron survey meters commonly used in accelerator facilities may be unreliable and susceptible to spurious high readings when used in the presence of pulsed photon fields, due to the relatively high peak photon dose rates during pulses. Conclusions: The conclusions will indicate the extent of any variations in neutron survey meter response resulting from use under non‐standard conditions and discuss what impact this may have for radiation surveys performed at accelerator facilities.

Phase Transition Behavior of a Manganese(III) Spin-Crossover Complex Examined through Dielectric and Magnetic Responses

The octahedral manganese(III) complex, [MnIII(taa)] (H3taa = tris(1-(2-azolyl)-2-azabuten-4-yl)amine), has long been known as a rare example of (3d)4 spin-crossover system, having a steep spin-crossover phase transition at Tc = 48 K between a high-spin 5Eg and a low-spin 3T2g states. Since the high-spin state is obviously subject to the Jahn-Teller effect, the electronic states are coupled with lower-symmetry deformation modes lifting 5Eg orbital degeneracy in addition to a symmetrical breathing mode responsible for the spin crossover. This simultaneous involvement of two molecular bistabilities may afford a variety of condensed states (phases) due to competitive or cooperative interactions. The phase diagram and the phase transition behavior were thoroughly explored via several probes, including dielectric measurements, magnetization under pulsed high field, HF-EPR, and magnetic susceptibility measurements using high-pressure clamp cell. All the results were successfully interpreted in a unified fashion based on a four-state Ising-Potts model with mean-field approximation.