Characterization of Novel Lightweight Radiation Shielding Materials for Space Applications

Abstract

Novel materials or multilayers can help to reduce the mass requirement for radiation shielding of electronic components significantly. In this paper, potential alternatives to the standard aluminum shielding approach are assessed by the Monte-Carlo simulations and promising candidates are manufactured and characterized by radiation tests including proton and electron tests. The transmission of energetic protons of up to 39 MeV through the shielding solution was assessed as well as the dose deposited by energetic electrons up to 12 MeV in Radiation sensing field-effect transistor (RADFETs) and Alanine dosimeters behind the shield.