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International audience; Optoelectronic components are the most sensitive devices of systems exposed to radiation environments. Displacement damage (DD) effects can severely degrade the performances of such devices, which are extensively used in critical electronic systems installed in particle accelerators or nuclear power plants. This work investigates the use of application-specific radiation spectra for damage estimations in operation instead of mono-energetic proton or neutron irradiations. An analysis of the characteristics of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) radiation environment in terms of DD is presented in this work along with the demonstration of the ability of the CERN High Energy Accelerator Mixed Field (CHARM) facility of CERN to reproduce them. Then, a set of optocouplers made of gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), and aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) are tested under these environments, and the results are compared to proton and neutron irradiations.

A deep-penetration shielding experiment was performed at the CERN High-energy AcceleRator Mixed-field (CHARM) facility. The protons (24 GeV/c) were injected into a 50-cm-thick copper target and the...

The orchid species Dactylorhiza majalis is endangered by continuing habitat destruction and fragmentation. This requires more detailed information with respect to its sexual reproduction, which is especially relevant for Germany, where from 10 % to 30 % of the world-wide remaining populations grow. In the present study, we determined both the numbers of growing and flowering individuals per stand with regard to D. majalis at 12 localities of Upper Lusatia, Saxony, Germany, during the season 2014. For up to 25 plants per stand, sexual reproduction was assessed by checking over the numbers of blossoms and fruits per inflorescence and by calculating percentages of seed fertilities from embryo-viability stains. Applying pair-wise statistical analyses, we found correlations between two of the above-mentioned traits as well as among the above-cited population-specific reproduction parameters and four out of six Ellenberg’s indicator values, which have been calculated to characterize local site conditions. We furthermore recorded both very poor and enhanced seed fertilities, clustering into two groups which were associated with the Ellenberg’s indicator value thermal continentality. Lower seed fertilities were generally detected in the northern lowlands, whereas D. majalis is probably able to compensate the unpleasant environments of the southern highlands by bearing more fertile seeds. Conducting genetic inventories with three nuclear microsatellites, the sampled seed-producing mother plants of both fertility groups differed by the opposite frequency distribution of two prominent genotypes DD and EE at locus ms14. These findings indicate a genetic selection due to adaptation to climatical stresses. Based on the additionally detected aberrant megasporogenesis, we propose that mother plants of homozygous genotype EE and their germ-cells are less affected by both aneuploidy and large deletions on the remaining chromosomes, and we assume that a linkage disequilibrium exists between such advantageous karyotypes and the studied microsatellite locus. Regarding the challenges of global warming, repeated inventories are finally recommended at all 12 stands in order to validate the long-term indicative properties of the discovered findings.

We investigate, through measurements and simulations, the possible direct ionization impact on the accelerator soft-error rate (SER), not considered in standard qualification approaches. Results show that, for a broad variety of state-of-the-art commercial components considered in the 65-16-nm technological range, indirect ionization is still expected to dominate the overall SER in the accelerator mixed-field. However, the derived critical charges of the most sensitive parts, corresponding to ~0.7 fC, are expected to be at the limit of rapid direct ionization dominance and soft-error increase., This work was supported in part by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under Grant 721624 and in part by the European Space Agency (ESA/ESTEC) at the University of Jyväskylä under Contract 4000124504/18/NL/KML/zk

We describe the implementation of a versatile system and the corresponding method to perform fast postmortem optical attenuation measurements on irradiated optical-fibers (OFs) for dosimetry purposes. The measurement is based on the radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) phenomenon. We use a dual-wavelength optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) coupled with a suitable radiation-sensitive OF. We demonstrate that radiation dose levels higher than 100 Gy(SiO2) can be measured efficiently with 1-m-long samples. The accuracy of the measurement increases with the increasing radiation dose if the length of the sample is kept fixed. We also highlight the possible limitations of our approach and, more generally, limitations related to performing accurate RIA measurement (online or postmortem) on short single-mode (SM) OF samples. The technological solution we propose can be tailored to address different radiation environments.

We report the results of several complementary radiation tests to qualify and calibrate a highly radiation sensitive Single-Mode (SM) Optical Fiber (OF) for distributed dosimetry application at CERN. The Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) is the physical phenomenon used to evaluate the Total Ionizing Dose (TID) received by the OF sensor. The radiation response tests comprise online RIA in the Near InfraRed (NIR) domain under 60Co γ-rays, X-rays and proton irradiations, as well as post mortem Optical Attenuation (OA) measurement to evaluate long term fading effects of the RIA. In this paper, we focus on the effect of successive irradiations, dose rate dependence and effects related to the change of the irradiation temperature up to 45 °C. On the basis of our investigation, we conclude that the studied OF is a suitable TID sensor and that it is well adapted for distributed OF radiation dose sensing. It is fully compatible with commercially available SM Optical Time Domain Reflectometers, with some noticeable advantages with respect to previously developed systems based on multimode OFs. Finally, the OF we investigated has been selected for the distributed monitoring of low radiation dose levels at CERN in the injector chain (Proton Synchrotron Booster, Proton Synchrotron, Super Proton Synchrotron) and parts of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Taking advantage of the heavy ion acceleration program, tests on radiation effects with Ultrahigh Energy (UHE) xenon ion beams (with Energy > 5 GeV/nucleon) have been performed in several experimental areas of the CERN accelerator complex. Specifically, the outcomes of the first UHE heavy ion test campaign carried out at the CHARM facility are presented and discussed in this contribution. UHE ion beams have the advantage of not requiring a previous modification of the samples or testing in vacuum, owing to their large penetration range. The unique nature of the UHE ions motivated the study of their interaction with matter, with regard to the induction of SEE. To that end, great effort was paid on the calibration of the beam line instrumentation, typically prepared for the traditional proton runs. Electronic components sensitive to single event upset (SEU) and single-event latchup (SEL) were irradiated by an UHE xenon beam, with a particular interest in studying the sub-LET cross section region and benchmarking against the standard heavy ion test beams. Finally, the suitability of UHE ion testing for Radiation Hardness Assurance is also discussed in the contribution.

This paper describes a comparison between in-orbit single-event effects (SEE) rate measurement acquired by the CARMEN-3 experiment on-board the JASON-3 satellite (middle earth orbit, 1336 km, 66°) and an estimation using SEE rate calculation approaches from several facilities. A SRAM memory sensitive to single-event latchup (SEL) has been monitored in orbit, and the number of events per day was estimated using monoenergetic data coming from the Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut (protons) and Universite Catholique de Louvain (heavy-ions) facilities as well as using mixed-field data coming from the Cern High energy AcceleRator Mixed field (CHARM) facility. A comparison of both estimations with respect to the in-flight measurement has been carried out.

CERN CHARM facility provides a unique complex radiation environment characterized by particle energy spectra representative of high-energy accelerators, ground and atmospheric conditions and space applications. CHARM is conceived to be an irradiation facility for the qualification of large electronic systems and components in a mixed field radiation environment generated from the interaction of a 24 GeV/c proton beam with a copper or aluminium target. A movable shielding made of layers of concrete and iron allows changing the hardness and the particle population (neutron, proton, kaon, pion, muon, electron, positron, and photon) in predefined test locations. To ensure a full representativeness and reproducibility of the tests, an accurate dosimetry of the complex mixed irradiation field is mandatory. The significant size of the available test area, the multiple facility configurations as well as the strong radiation gradient present in some of the test locations make the radiation monitoring a challenge. This work provides a first characterization of the absorbed dose gradient in two specific test locations: T0, a high dose rate test location close the target revolver; R11, a standard test location for irradiation tests on electronics equipment and devices. Experimental measurements conducted with RPL dosimeters and pMOS RadFET sensors were coupled with FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation. The concluding comparison shows an overall good agreement, considering the strong dose gradient and the limitation of the dosimeters in the mixed field environment.

We investigated the potential of a multimode (50- $\mu \text{m}$ core diameter) nitrogen doped silica-based optical fiber for X-rays, protons, and $\gamma $ -rays radiation detection and dosimetry. X-rays results confirm that this N-doped fiber presents a strong radioluminescence (RL) around 550 nm when exposed to radiation. The RL observed from a few centimeter long samples linearly depend on the dose rate at least in the 1-mGy/s–50-Gy/s range. Low dose rate $\gamma $ -ray t ests demonstrate the radiation detection at dose rate as low as $40~\mu $ Gy/s with a 2-m-long fiber sample. This fiber is also associated with an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) when exposed to a 1064-nm laser light postirradiation. This OSL signature provides shortly after the irradiation a precise estimation of the accumulated dose at least in the 1-Gy–10-kGy range. Under proton exposure, we benchmarked the performances of the N-doped fiber with the ones of a conventional Markus chamber used by the TRIUMF proton-therapy team. This comparison highlights the potential of the small-size N-doped fiber to partially overcome the known limitations of commercial fiber-based dosimeters for medical applications. The obtained results are very promising for the future design of more complex spatially resolved beam monitoring systems.

Distributed optical fiber (OF) radiation sensing is a technique recently adopted at CERN for the monitoring of radiation dose levels in the proton synchrotron (PS) booster and in the PS. In this paper, we present the progress made on our previous work by benchmarking the rich information contained in the spatially distributed OF dose measurement with the radiation levels simulated with the FLUKA Monte Carlo code. We begin by discussing the experimental results for the qualification/calibration of a new radiation sensitive single-mode OF, currently being deployed in the accelerator tunnels. We performed this calibration tests online under 60Co $\gamma $ -rays source. We then move on to report the results of the online irradiation tests that we carried out in the CERN high energy accelerator mixed-field facility. Finally, we compare the OF radiation maps with the dose levels calculated along the OF cable with FLUKA for two very different configurations of the facility. This paper is a first promising example of combining 3-D Monte Carlo simulations of complex mixed-field environment with the 1-D spatially distributed dose measurements provided by the OF-based dosimetry.

In this paper, possible mechanisms by which electrons can induce single-event latchups in electronics are discussed. The energy deposition and the nuclear fragments created by electrons in silicon are analyzed in this context. The cross section enhancement effect in the presence of high-Z materials is discussed. First experimental results of electron-induced latchups are shown in static random access memory devices with low linear energy transfer thresholds. The radiation hardness assurance implications and future work are discussed.

Traditional heavy-ion testing for single-event effects is carried out in cyclotron facilities with energies around 10 MeV/n. Despite their capability of providing a broad range of linear energy transfer (LET) values, the main limitations are related to the need of testing in a vacuum and with the sensitive region of the components accessible to the low range ions. In this paper, we explore the use of ultrahigh energy (UHE) (5-150 GeV/n) ions in the CERN accelerator complex for radiation effects on electronics testing. At these energies, we show, both through simulations and experimental data, the significant impact of the ion energy on the ionization track structure and associated volume-restricted LET value, highlighting the possible limitations for radiation hardness assurance for high-energy accelerator applications. In addition, we show that from a nuclear interaction perspective, UHE ions behave similar to protons independently of their significantly larger mass.

A measurement of high-energy neutron streaming was performed through a maze at the CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) High-energy AcceleRator Mixed-field (CHARM) facility. The protons of 24 GeV/c were injected onto a 50-cm-thick copper target and the released neutrons were streamed through a maze with several corridor-legs horizontally designed with the shield walls in the facility. Streaming neutrons were measured by using aluminum activation detectors placed at 10 locations in the maze. From the radionuclide production rate in the activation detectors, the attenuation profile along the maze was obtained for the reaction of 27Al(n,α)24Na. Monte Carlo simulations performed with two codes, the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport System (PHITS) and CERN FLUktuierende KAskade (FLUKA), gave good agreements with the measurements within a factor of 1.7 for the production rates ranging over more than 3 orders of magnitude.

We evaluate the temperature effect on the X-ray radiation-induced luminescence (RIL) of Cu- or Ce-single-doped and CuCe-codoped silica glass. Previous investigations showed that these optical materials exhibit interesting dosimetry properties, such as very good detection capabilities and linear response over a large range of dose rate. However, several radiation environments, such as space and particle accelerators, also require a careful assessment of the temperature effect. With this aim, we characterize their RIL efficiency and spectral dependence at several irradiation temperatures. We demonstrate that all the investigated materials present a nonnegligible temperature dependence of the RIL in the range −120 °C to 80 °C, whilst preserving linear dose rate dependence at each irradiation temperature. However, the temperature effect on the RIL signal is still compensable via calibration and temperature monitoring.

Genomic imprinting is a parent-of-origin effect apparent in an appreciable number of human diseases. We have proposed the new imprinting test statistic MOBIT, which is based on MOD score analysis. We were interested in the properties of the MOBIT concerning its distribution under three hypotheses: (1) H 0, a : no linkage, no imprinting; (2) H 0, b : linkage, no imprinting; (3) H 1: linkage and imprinting. More specifically, we assessed the confounding between imprinting and sex-specific recombination frequencies, which presents a major difficulty in linkage-based testing for imprinting, and evaluated the power of the test. To this end, we have performed a linkage simulation study of affected sib-pairs and a three-generation pedigree with two trait models, many two- and multipoint marker scenarios, three genetic map ratios, two sample sizes, and five imprinting degrees. We also investigated the ability of the MOBIT to quantify the degree of imprinting and applied the MOBIT using a real data example on house dust mite allergy. We further proposed and evaluated two approaches to obtain empiric p values for the MOBIT. Our results showed that twopoint analyses assuming a sex-averaged marker map led to an inflated type I error due to confounding, especially for a larger marker-trait locus distance. When the correct sex-specific marker map was assumed, twopoint analyses have a reduced power to detect imprinting, compared to sex-averaged analyses with an appropriate correction for the inflation of the test statistic. However, confounding was not an issue in multipoint analysis unless the map ratio was extreme and marker spacing was sparse. With multipoint analysis, power as well as the ability to quantify the imprinting degree were almost equally high when a sex-averaged or the correct sex-specific map was used in the analysis. We recommend to obtain empiric p values for the MOBIT using genotype simulations based on the best-fitting nonimprinting model of the real dataset analysis. In addition, an implementation of a method based on the permutation of parental sexes is also available. In summary, we propose to perform multipoint analyses using densely spaced markers to efficiently discover new imprinted loci and to reliably quantify the degree of imprinting.

Despite undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT), patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with internal tandem duplication mutation in theIn a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II trial (SORMAIN; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00000591), 83 adult patients withWith a median follow-up of 41.8 months, the hazard ratio (HR) for relapse or death in the sorafenib group versus placebo group was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.85; log-rankSorafenib maintenance therapy reduces the risk of relapse and death after HCT for

PURPOSE Despite undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT), patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with internal tandem duplication mutation in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene ( FLT3-ITD) have a poor prognosis, frequently relapse, and die as a result of AML. It is currently unknown whether a maintenance therapy using FLT3 inhibitors, such as the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib, improves outcome after HCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II trial (SORMAIN; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00000591), 83 adult patients with FLT3-ITD–positive AML in complete hematologic remission after HCT were randomly assigned to receive for 24 months either the multitargeted and FLT3-kinase inhibitor sorafenib (n = 43) or placebo (n = 40 placebo). Relapse-free survival (RFS) was the primary endpoint of this trial. Relapse was defined as relapse or death, whatever occurred first. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 41.8 months, the hazard ratio (HR) for relapse or death in the sorafenib group versus placebo group was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.85; log-rank P = .013). The 24-month RFS probability was 53.3% (95% CI, 0.36 to 0.68) with placebo versus 85.0% (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.93) with sorafenib (HR, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.65; log-rank P = .002). Exploratory data show that patients with undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD) before HCT and those with detectable MRD after HCT derive the strongest benefit from sorafenib. CONCLUSION Sorafenib maintenance therapy reduces the risk of relapse and death after HCT for FLT3-ITD–positive AML.

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is the largest accelerator in the world, spanning a circumference of 26.7 km. During its operation, small fractions of the beams are being continuously lost. This leads to mixed-field radiation that might affect electronic equipment through both cumulative and single-event effects. This article considers the radiation environment during Run 2 (years 2015–2018) in the LHC arc sectors that constitute approximately 70% of the accelerator, housing a huge amount of electronics. There, the main magnets’ configuration is periodic, and the main contributor to losses is the interaction of the beams with residual gas molecules, resulting in relatively low-radiation levels, as opposed to different parts of the LHC. However, as presented, there are locations where losses are no longer dominated by residual gas. In these locations, radiation levels are higher by up to more than two orders of magnitude and could, therefore, be problematic in terms of cumulative radiation effects on electronics. In this article, the dose measurements from beam loss monitors have been combined with the FLUKA simulation for the arc sectors in order to indirectly retrieve the residual gas densities and radiation profile under the magnet cryostats, at the equipment level, for the losses caused by residual gas. Estimations for the radiation levels in the arc sectors during the high-luminosity LHC era and potential implications for the electronics are discussed as well.

The reproduction of neutron fluence derived by the unfolding method was confirmed by simulating an experiment at Cern High energy AcceleRator Mixed field facility (CHARM). Fluences on an NE213 scintillator located at positions surrounded with shields were calculated using PHITS. A neutron light output spectrum and response matrix were calculated according to the calculated fluence. Furthermore, response matrices with simple distributions of neutron incident position and direction on the scintillator were also prepared because a response matrix with guessed distributions is used in measurements. In spite of using response matrices with different distributions, the unfolded fluence agreed with each other, unless the distribution was focused on a position. The agreement of the fluences enables us to measure the fluence at various positions even though the distributions are experimentally unknown. Finally, experimental fluences were obtained under the same conditions, and were compared with the simulation results.

A 24-GeV proton beam is available at the Cern High energy AcceleRator Mixed field facility which can be used to test components and boards for single-event effects (SEEs) at a worst case energy for both accelerator and interplanetary space applications. The main beam characteristics are described, and SEE results for three different components are presented in combination with Monte Carlo results, focusing on the significant energy dependence, and risk of underestimating the operational error rate for hard spectral environments when considering SEE cross sections measured at proton cyclotron facilities.

The radiation spectra in the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) ranges from gigaelectronvolts down to thermal neutron levels. It is known that the thermal neutrons can significantly affect the electronic devices and systems exposed to the radiation environment of the tunnel and the shielded areas of the LHC. CERN’s radiation monitoring (RadMon) system uses static random access memories (SRAMs) to measure the contributions to the spectrum from both the high-energy hadrons (>20 MeV) and thermal neutrons. The knowledge of the SRAM thermal neutron cross section is required for evaluating their contribution to the particle spectra and thus identifying the thermal neutron critical area. This paper describes a procedure to acquire, by means of RadMon system, the thermal neutron cross section of SRAM memories in a mixed-field environment. The capabilities of the CERN High AcceleRator Mixed-field facility (CHARM) to measure the thermal neutron sensitivity are then investigated. The procedure is evaluated by comparing the thermal neutron cross sections obtained at CHARM and the one measured using a pure thermal neutron beam. The same procedure could be applied to other devices to understand their susceptibility.

In this paper, the single-event effects on a 28-nm static random access memory-based field-programmable gate array (FPGA) under CERN’s mixed-particle field are analyzed. The methodology followed for CERN electronics radiation hardness assurance and the particularities of testing an FPGA under a mixed-particle field are demonstrated. More specifically, the potential contribution of low-energy particles to the configuration memory (CRAM) and block memory (BRAM) bit upset sensitivity is investigated. By using a method of irradiating the device in different locations at CERN high-energy accelerator mixed field/facility with different particle energy spectra, it has been found that there is a significant impact of thermal neutrons, increasing the CRAM and BRAM cross section by a factor of $\times 3$ . As a complement to this paper, an example application is also tested, in the context of future upgrades at the CERN accelerator complex. Results estimate that the application fails less than 10 times per year, leading to the conclusion that such devices may be used for low criticality applications along the accelerator complex.

A CubeSat payload (PL) was designed at CERN and at the University Space Center of Montpellier, for the measurement of radiation and its effects on electronics and single event latchup recording on SRAM devices. The PL and the data handling modules were tested at the CERN mixed-field facility, in a Low Earth Orbit representative environment.

To establish a methodology for neutron spectrum measurement at the CERN High energy AcceleRator Mixed field facility (CHARM), neutron spectra were measured using an NE213 scintillator on top of the CHARM roof shielding where is the CERN Shielding Benchmark Facility (CSBF). The spectra were derived as fluences into the scintillator by the unfolding method using an iterative Bayesian algorithm. The methodology was verified based on the agreement of two spectra measured for different positions and directions of incident neutrons by changing the detector orientation. Since the spectra on the roof-top were obtained within a reasonable beam-time, this methodology is suitable for measuring the spectrum when there is less shielding material. Thus, experimental data for neutron transition can be obtained as a function of shielding thickness using this facility.

The "Physics Beyond Colliders (PBC)" study explores fundamental physics opportunities at the CERN accelerator complex complementary to collider experiments. Three new collaborations aim to exploit the M2 beamline in the North Area with existing high-intensity muon and hadron beams, but also aspire to go beyond the current M2 capabilities with a RF-separated, high intensity hadron beam, under study. The AMBER/COMPASS++ collaboration proposes an ambitious program with a measurement of the proton radius with muon beams, as well as QCD-related studies from pion PDFs / Drell-Yan to cross section measurements for dark sector searches. Assuming feasibility of the RF-separated beam, the spectrum of strange mesons would enter a high precision era while kaon PDFs as well as nucleon TMDs would be accessible via Drell-Yan reactions. The NA64mu collaboration proposes to search for dark sector mediators such as a dark scalar A' or a hypothetical Z_mu using the M2 muon beam and complementing their on-going A' searches with electron beams. The MuonE collaboration intends to assess the hadronic component of the vacuum polarization via elastic mu-e scattering, the dominant uncertainty in the determination of (g-2)_mu. An overview of the three new experimental programs will be presented together with implications for the M2 beamline and the experimental area EHN2, based on the studies of the PBC "Conventional Beams" Working Group., MENU 2019 Proceedings, 7 pages

We investigated the online radiation-induced attenuation of two single-mode optical fibers (OFs) that were X-rays irradiated with doses up to 100 kGy(SiO2) at room temperature at 10.7 Gy/s. One of the two samples was doped only with phosphorous, whereas the other was codoped with phosphorous and cerium. Both OF types are very radiation sensitive in the near-infrared (NIR) domain and of interest for applications involving radiation detection. The addition of Ce to the P-doped core lowers the radiation sensitivity of the OF and introduces a spontaneous postirradiation recovery process at room temperature, which is negligible in the purely P-doped OF. We show that the diffusion of molecular hydrogen into the OFs allows the full recovery of the NIR losses caused by radiation-induced P-related point defects. However, the radiation response of the H2-regenarated samples is substantially different from that of the pristine ones. We conclude that the H2-loading procedure cannot be at the moment considered as a valid technique for the regeneration of a depleted P-doped OF radiation sensor.

The high-luminosity large hadron collider (HL-LHC) is a novel machine configuration which will rely on a number of key innovative technologies to enhance the performance of the present LHC machine as of 2025. The upgrade will also involve increased radiation levels that need to be predicted by combining scaled measurements and calculations in order to define the qualification requirements for electronic systems. In this paper, we describe such levels, first of all, by introducing the monitoring and calculation approaches used for the present LHC machine, and second, by applying scaling factors and dedicated simulations for the future HL-LHC accelerators. We present the levels according to the different areas relevant for the operation of electronics-based equipment, and discuss the associated radiation hardness assurance implications.

In this study, experimental measurements were performed on the spectra of neutrons which penetrate concrete and steel of various thicknesses values when a proton beam of 24 GeV/c was incident on a copper target at the CHARM facility in the East Hall of the CERN Proton Synchrotron (PS) The thicknesses of concrete and steel ranged up to 360 cm and 80 cm, respectively. To measure the neutron spectra, an NE213 scintillator was positioned on the top roof of the shielding structure as the neutron detector. The light output distributions of the detector were converted into the neutron energy spectra using the unfolding method with a calculated response matrix after removing the γ -ray and charged particle events by pulse-shape discrimination and veto counter signals, respectively. The neutron spectra were in agreement with the results obtained using the Monte Carlo simulation code, PHITS, within a factor of 1.4 except for the case of steel 80 cm. The attenuation profiles for concrete and steel were consistent with previous foil activation results within the respective uncertainties.

All Programmable System-on-Chip (APSoC) devices are designed to provide higher overall programmable flexibility and system performance at lower costs. Such characteristics make APSoCs very suitable and attractive for critical environments, such as the one encountered in the accelerators chain of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), where electronic components can be exposed to high-energy hadrons (protons, neutrons, pions), heavy ions, and other particles, at the same time. However, APSoCs may be prone to experience Single Event Effects (SEE). We investigate how the configuration of the Processing System (PS) influences the reliability of a FLASH-based APSoC. We experimentally study the differences in the radiation-induced error rate of the PS, under various configurations while executing an application. We also propose two approaches for increasing the reliability of programs running on the embedded processor. Furthermore, we analyze the sensitivity of the system taking into account not only the cross section, but also the system reliability and the Mean Workload Between Failures (MWBF). Preliminary results show that it is possible to double the performance and to increase the system reliability up to one order of magnitude by managing processor features such as cache memory usage, error correcting codes, and processor exception handlers.

We introduce an approach aimed at prescreening COTS components according to their single-event effect (SEE) sensitivity for space missions in which a complete characterization of their individual response to protons and heavy ions is not feasible due to cost and time constraints. The method is applied to a set of SRAM memories for single-event upset (SEU) and single-event latchup (SEL) and the resulting expected SEE rates are compared with traditional approaches and in-flight data for a low-earth orbit polar and a geostationary orbit. Despite the limitations related to components with high-LET threshold and thick sensitive volumes, we conclude that the proposed method can be an efficient means of rejecting highly sensitive components or lots and performing the complete characterization only on passing devices.

In this work, the expected SEE rate in a generic model of a state-of-the-art SRAM memory was studied as a function of the critical charge in different radiation environments. The FLUKA Monte Carlo code was used to evaluate the SEE mono-energetic cross section for different particles as well as the SEE rate in different mixed field environments through an energy deposition analysis. Mono-energetic cross sections for protons and both positively and negatively charged muons were evaluated in the 0.1–1000 MeV energy range. The SEE rate was calculated for different mixed radiation field environments such as the terrestrial environment, commercial flight altitude, LHC critical areas for electronics and CERN’s CHARM test facility. Results show that direct ionization from charged particles becomes predominant between 0.2-1.1 fC compared to indirect neutron energy deposition. Finally the CHARM facility was demonstrated to be able to reproduce with a good approximation both the atmospheric and accelerator environments, particularly with regard to avionics, ground level applications and LHC.

We present experimental evidence of electron-induced upsets in a reference European Space Agency (ESA) single event upset (SEU) monitor, induced by a 200-MeV electron beam at the Very energetic Electronic facility for Space Planetary Exploration in harsh Radiation environments facility at CERN. Comparison of experimental cross sections and simulated cross sections is shown and the differences are analyzed. Possible secondary contributions to the upset rate by neutrons, flash effects, and cumulative dose effects are discussed, showing that electronuclear reactions are the expected SEU mechanism. The ESA Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission, to be launched in 2022, presents a challenging radiation environment due to the intense high-energy electron flux in the trapped radiation belts. Insight is given to the possible contribution of electrons to the overall upset rates in the Jovian radiation environment. Relative contributions of both typical electron and proton spectra created when the environmental spectra are transported through a typical spacecraft shielding are shown and the different mission phases are discussed.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the assessment and modelling of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) particularly regarding the evaluation of the radiation effects on airline crew and passengers, interplanetary missions and on-board microelectronics. In the latter field, today the problem is not just limited to Single Event Effects (SEE) as used in avionics, but is more and more observed at ground level. Galactic cosmic muons, coming from the interaction of primary cosmic rays in the Earth's atmosphere, represent the most numerous species at ground level. In this work, we used the Monte Carlo code FLUKA to assess the atmospheric and terrestrial neutron and muon differential fluxes at various altitudes and specific examples such as the geographic coordinates corresponding to New York City and Vancouver. In this context, particle energy spectra were compared with references available in literature, calculation results obtained by both the QARM and EXPACS codes, as well as recently performed measurements. In addition, the zenith angular distribution, at ground level, was assessed for both neutrons and muons and compared with available references. Differential particle fluxes assessed for Vancouver were used as a primary source to simulate a muon detector currently taking data at TRIUMF to evaluate the passing and stopping terrestrial muon rate under different conditions. Finally, simulations were compared with the experimental measurements made at TRIUMF. Results show an excellent agreement between the FLUKA simulations and both references and the experimental measurements made at TRIUMF.

Depending on the application, electronic systems and devices can be subjected to different radiation environments. According to the type of radiation encountered during operation, electronic components are simultaneously vulnerable to cumulative and single event effects. In addition, inelastic interactions of highly energetic particles with high-Z materials generate highly ionizing products. This can lead to catastrophic failures and therefore can have a significant impact on the reliability of electronic devices. For this reason, it is necessary to test electronic devices/systems in representative environments. For this purpose, a mixed field radiation test facility called CHARM has been established at CERN. Its radiation environment is not only representative of particle accelerators, but also of atmospheric, ground level and space applications.

We demonstrate the feasibility of resetting and reusing dosimeters exploiting the measurement of the infrared radiation-induced attenuation (IR-RIA) in phosphosilicate optical fibers (OFs) to provide point or distributed dose measurements in radiation environments. To bleach the room temperature stable IR-RIA, we used the photobleaching (PB) phenomenon. The PB efficiency was evaluated for different wavelengths in the [400–1100] nm range. The best identified PB resetting condition consists in using a continuous-wave Argon-ion laser at 514 nm. This treatment successfully bleached ∼ 97 % of the IR-RIA at 1550 nm of a 30 m-long P-doped single mode optical fiber X-ray irradiated at a dose of 100 Gy. Successive re-irradiations of the same OF sample, regenerated after each run, confirm that the dosimeter keeps the same calibration curve during the whole process.

We investigate the X-ray (40 keV) and γ-ray (1.2 MeV) radiation responses of three different radiation sensitive Optical Fibers (OFs) up to 100 Gy(SiO2). In particular, we study the Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) in the Near Infrared domain (NIR) for single mode OFs doped with Phosphorus (P), Aluminum (Al) and Phosphorus/Cerium (PCe) in their cores at three temperatures up to 50 °C. RIA levels and kinetics strongly depend on the operating wavelength and fiber composition. For both P and PCe-doped fibers, the P1 defects are the main contributors to the RIA, with Ce-codoping inducing a decrease of radiation sensitivity. For the Al-doped fiber, no specific absorption bands can be discriminated in the NIR. Both X- and γ-rays lead to the same RIA levels and kinetics. The RIA spectral dependences on dose and temperature highlight the potential of the three investigated fibers for radiation detection and dosimetry. To better discuss the properties of point defects responsible for the NIR RIA, we analyze how the fundamental mode propagation influences the RIA spectra of each fiber type. By reasonably assuming that the core RIA exceeds largely the cladding RIA and by calculating the mode Confinement Factor (CF), the RIA spectra of the core material are reconstructed and the spectral characteristics of defects are discussed for each type of fibers.

The Physics Beyond Colliders study investigates the feasibility of future projects and experiments using CERN facilities. In the scope of this study, a future operation of the NA62 experiment using the existing K12 beam line operated in beam dump mode is discussed. Such a setup allows for a search for dark sector particles, e.g. heavy neutral leptons, dark photons and axions. Production of these hypothetical particles requires the 400GeV/c proton beam extracted from the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) to be dumped on a massive dump collimator located in the first part of the K12 beam line. The decay of these dark sector particles, for example, into muons could be detected by the NA62 experimental setup. However, muons created in particle interactions with material and from in-flight decays of secondary hadrons pose a critical background for this kind of experiment. Magnetic sweeping serves as an efficient tool for reducing this background. This paper discusses the simulation studies conducted with the software framework G4beamline to reduce the expected single-muon rate for this experiment. The required beam line modifications, in particular the removal of the beryllium target and repositioning of the dump, have been implemented into this model. A comparison of simulated muon distributions and spectra available experimental data, already taken in test runs, has been made in order to validate the beam line simulation. Finally, additional beam line modifications to further suppress the muon background are elaborated upon. These studies show a potential further reduction of a factor four of the total single-muon rate relative to the nominal setup over the full momentum range, and up to a factor twenty considering only muons with momenta [Formula: see text].

Unlike a typical Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) methodology, this work presents a system level radiation qualification of a complex electronic system prior to component radiation characterization tests. Such a top-down approach reduces the beam time needed for qualification of components by carefully analyzing failure modes observed on the system level and performing only a subset of component tests for identified cases. This avoids system overdesign, reduces the testing workload and cost by accepting a certain residual failure rate.

Distributed Optical Fiber Radiation Sensing allows the online monitoring of radiation dose levels in CERN accelerator complex and provides dose maps that are used to prevent radiation-to-electronics related failures and assess equipment lifetime.

This paper summarizes the main results related to the single event upset and single event latch-up cross section measurements performed at CHARM in a location with a strong contribution from thermal and intermediate energy neutrons. We introduce a new experimental procedure to unfold the thermal and high-energy hadron contributions to the single event effect rate in the mixed-field environment and benchmark the result against those obtained in standard test facilities, highlighting the possible implications on the state-of-the-art component qualification.

In the context of achieving an efficient radiation monitoring system, while also aiming to increase the flexibility of the measurement system, the integrated digital and analog circuitries of the floating gate dosimeter (FGDOS) have been upgraded. The capability to control autonomously the recharge process and the easy access to the data allows exploiting the FGDOS in both the autonomous and passive mode. The former provides the cumulated dose measurement by a sensor coupled to a digital interface. The latter implies the reading of the dose only after the irradiation time, performing the dose detection by positioning the sensor without any supply. In this paper, the functionality and characterization of the new features of the FGDOS are demonstrated. The resolution, the dose range, and the error introduced on the measurements are discussed in detail by analyzing the results of irradiation experiments. The use of a filtering technique in different radiation environments is discussed, as well as the capability to retain the information after multiple readings and the power consumption for each configuration.

Introduction: Most patients with FLT3-ITD-positive AML, who relapse after allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) die from their disease. Whether prophylactic FLT3-ITD inhibition with sorafenib can prevent AML relapse and improve outcome of patients in complete hematological remission (CHR) after allo-SCT is unknown and was tested in the SORMAIN trial. Methods: This randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study was done at 14 centers in Germany and Austria. Patients with FLT3-ITD+ AML, aged 18 years or older, who had undergone allogenic stem cell transplantation from a HLA-matched sibling donor, 10/10 or 9/10 HLA-matched unrelated donor, and who were in confirmed CHR at the time of screening between day +30 and day +100 post allo-SCT, were included. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either sorafenib (starting dose: 2 x 1 tbl. [2 x 200mg] qd, increasing every 14d to up to 2 x 2 tbl. [2 x 400mg] qd according to tolerability) or placebo (2 x 1 or 2 tbl. qd) for up to 24 months. Randomization was done centrally. In case of drug related adverse events, study medication could be interrupted, stepwise reduced to a minimum of 2 x 1 tbl. qd, temporarily withheld and recommenced at a lower dose level. FLT3-ITD diagnostics was done centrally at baseline and at time of relapse. In relapsing patients, off-label compassionate use of sorafenib was possible. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival (RFS) as defined by either hematological relapse or death from any cause. The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). We here report the final RFS analysis. The OS results will be unblinded only prior to the ASH meeting and will be reported there. The SORMAIN study was terminated prior to full recruitment because of slow accrual. SORMAIN was registered with the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT 2010-018539-16) and the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00000591). Results: Between October 29, 2010, and May 17, 2016, 83 patients (41 males, 42 females) were randomized and included in the primary analysis (placebo, n=40; sorafenib, n=43). Median age was 54 years (IQR 47.75 - 61.33) for the entire study population and not significantly different between sorafenib and placebo groups. With a median follow up of 41.8 months after randomization (IQR 24.1 - 42.5), median RFS was 30.9 months (lower bound of 95% CI 5.2 months) in the placebo group versus not reached in the sorafenib group, corresponding to a 2-year RFS of 53,3 % (95% CI 36.5-67.5) in the placebo versus 85.0 % (69.5-93.0) in the sorafenib group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39, 95% CI; 0.18 -0.85; P=0.0135) (Fig. 1). Overall, sorafenib was well tolerated. The most common grade 3-4 adverse event in both groups was acute GvHD (seven [ 17.5%] in the placebo group vs. nine [20.9%] in the sorafenib group. Conclusion: Sorafenib maintenance therapy after allo-SCT is feasible and significantly reduces the risk of relapse or death in patients with FLT3-ITD positive AML. OS results will be presented at the meeting. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Burchert: Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; AOP Orphan: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Bug:Amgen: Honoraria; Neovii: Other: Travel Grant; Novartis Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Other: Travel Grant; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Other: Travel Grant; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Other: Travel Grant. Finke:Riemser: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel grants, Research Funding; Neovii: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel grants, Research Funding; Medac: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel grants, Research Funding. Stelljes:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Consultancy; JAZZ: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Rollig:Bayer: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Wäsch:Pfizer: Honoraria. Lang:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Research Funding. Ehninger:Cellex Gesellschaft fuer Zellgewinnung mbH: Employment, Equity Ownership; GEMoaB Monoclonals GmbH: Employment, Equity Ownership; Bayer: Research Funding. Serve:Bayer: Research Funding. Kroeger:Neovii: Honoraria, Research Funding; JAZZ: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Riemser: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Götze:JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Travel aid ASH 2017; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Schmid:Jazz Pharma: Honoraria, Other: Travel grant, Speakers Bureau. Wolf:BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; AOP Orphan: Honoraria, Research Funding. Thiede:AgenDix: Other: Ownership; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Haferlach:MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bethge:Miltenyi Biotec GmbH: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Neovii GmbH: Honoraria, Research Funding.