NSUF 26-5639: Fast-Neutron Irradiation of SiC LGAD/PiN Radiation Detectors and their layer-equivalent bulk material analogs.
We will conduct fast neutron irradiation studies on self-fabricated SiC PiN and LGAD radiation detectors, together with layer-equivalent SiC bulk material, to study radiation-induced material degradation and its impact on device performance. Building on our prior work on fast-timing SiC detectors, we will use LGAD structures as highly sensitive probes of gradual changes in bulk electrical properties, including resistivity and carrier mobility, caused by displacement damage.
In-situ current–voltage measurements during irradiation at NC State University’s PULSTAR reactor will allow us to track the non-linear kinetics of these electrical changes with dose. By irradiating both PiN/LGAD devices and their layer-equivalent bulk counterparts using a controlled dose series, we create an experimental platform that separates material-intrinsic radiation effects from resulting changes in device performance. Material damage will be characterized using electron spin resonance (ESR), positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS), and Hall effect measurements, followed by electrical device tests (I–V, C–V, EBIC). Detector performance will then be evaluated using transient current technique (TCT) with a short-pulse UV laser, as well as alpha- and beta-source response. These measurements will quantify radiation-induced performance degradation, including charge collection efficiency loss and timing resolution broadening. Irradiation experiments are planned during the first three months of the program at the PULSTAR reactor, with follow-on characterization at NC State and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
The resulting data, together with our existing proton irradiation results obtained on the same device architectures, will inform electrical device design simulation models for SiC detectors and electronics intended for radiation environments. This work supports the development of SiC-based flux monitoring and safeguards instrumentation for advanced nuclear reactors, aligning with DOE-NE priorities. The results will also be valuable to the High Energy Physics community investigating SiC detectors for extreme radiation environments.
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Awarded Institution | North Carolina State University |
| DOI | 10.46936/NSUF/60017667 |
| Embargo End Date | 2028-04-22 |
| Facility Tech Lead | Jason Hou |
| Irradiation Facilities | Nuclear Reactor Program - PULSTAR |
| NSUF Call | FY 2026 RTE 1st Call |
| PI | John Muth |
| PIE Facilities | Nuclear Reactor Program - PULSTAR |
| Prep Facilities | Nuclear Reactor Program - PULSTAR |
| Project Member | Dr. John Muth, Distinguished Professor - North Carolina State University (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2488-7721) |
| Project Member | Dr Carl Haber, Senior Scientist - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0155-1360) |
| Project Member | Dr Stefania Stucci, associated scientist - Brookhaven National Laboratory (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1639-4484) |
| Project Member | Professor Spyridon Pavlidis, Associate Professor - North Carolina State University (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1690-2581) |
| Project Type | RTE |