Speaker
Description
Astronauts travelling through space are at risk of exposure to radiation arising from Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and Solar particle events (SPE) which possess a significant radiobiological effect. GCR is mostly made up of protons with a small proportion of GCR being high atomic number energetic particles, which are difficult to shield while SPEs are events which occasionally eject large number of protons on top of a steady stream of photons and electrons. The composition of GCRs and SPE creates a complex radiation field which becomes difficult to characterize in real time due to the large variety of ions and radiation types. The ability to measure the dose equivalent in real time received by astronauts with high efficiency and accuracy is of great importance, as the risk of excessive exposure can be monitored and minimized. A novel large area microdosimeter has been developed at the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong – named the Octobox, for monitoring the dose equivalent and radiobiological risk to astronauts in a mixed radiation field environment, typical to the one encountered in space. The Octobox’s response to 290 MeV/u 12C ion, 230 and 490 MeV/u 28Si, 400 MeV/u 20Ne at the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC), Japan was studied. Both experimental and GEANT4 simulation data are showing that the Octobox is suitable for mixed radiation field monitoring for space application with real-time readout of dose equivalent values aiding in protection of astronauts on space missions.
| Pronouns | He/Him |
|---|---|
| Level of Expertise | Student |
| Which facility did you use for your research | Centre for Accelerator Science |
| Condition of submission | Yes |
| Students Only - Are you interested in AINSE student funding | Yes |
| Presenter Gender | Man |
| Do you wish to take part in the Student Poster Slam | No |
