The Interaction of Ionizing Radiation with Matter University Research Alliance (IIRM-URA) seeks to enhance robust prediction of overall system performance under various mission requirements in the event of a nuclear explosion. To ensure survivability, IIRM-URA is exploring methods to properly assess risk and damage on an accelerated scale with a focus on interactions and interfaces of damage mechanisms to device performance. By understanding the fundamental interaction and degradation mechanisms associated with emerging devices and commercial off-the-shelf sub-assemblies, researchers can begin to develop advanced electronics and detection systems capable of surviving a nuclear detonation.

Focus Areas (FA) of Interest

FA1 Survivability testing

Researchers are investigating the effects of ionizing radiation on devices and systems by identifying and characterizing radiation-induced failure mechanisms. They are experimentally evaluating, modeling, and simulating the response of entire complex modern systems to develop an experimental protocol capable of quickly and accurately detecting the most vulnerable region in a highly integrated systems-on-a-chip (SOC) device, with the goal of examining the microstructural mechanisms of failure.   One focus is on modelling, mitigation and experimental studies applicable for strategic environments. The basic mechanisms of radiation-induced degradation at the individual device scale, as well as methods for mitigating these damage effects, are also the focus of research at both the experimental and simulation levels.

FA2 Collection and analysis

The alliance is working to develop predictive models of systems-on-a-chip (SOC) reliability and failure mechanisms to provide the most inexpensive route for exploring differences in anticipated failure rates and failure modes of a variety of SOC architectures. Efforts are being dedicated to improve analysis capabilities of a post-detonation environment to provide rapid and accurate data on nuclear forensics on debris measured using intense laser filaments from a distance safe for front-line personnel, analysis of complex gamma spectra, and development of novel analysis methodologies to assess large data sets.

FA3 Radiological and nuclear contamination

Researchers are investigating radon contamination of U.S. Department of Defense equipment and warfighters to develop methods and materials to remove or prevent contamination in the first place. This involves the designed optimum selectivity in zeolites for radionuclide gas adsorption and detection. There are also exploring efforts in remote detection paths to detect radioactive contamination on surfaces of objects and in the air at long ranges with a new laser technology.

FA4 Shielding

The alliance is also reducing the footprint of radiation shielding by making them lighter, thinner, and cheaper without compromising the level of protection. Shielding strategies will consider the various primary interactions of different sources of ionizing radiation (neutrons, gamma rays, and X-rays) with relevant matter in radiological-nuclear contaminated areas.  One key area is the observation of enhanced attenuation of gamma rays in nanostructured composite materials, which is being investigated by both simulation and measurement.