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Tracking Detectors in Low-Energy Nuclear Physics: An Overview
Multi-Technique Characterization of Cartonnage and Linen Samples of an Egyptian Mummy from the Roman Period

Journal Description

Quantum Beam Science

Quantum Beam Science is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on research derived from beam line facilities and related techniques published quarterly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, Astrophysics Data System, and other databases.
Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Nuclear and High Energy Physics)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 27.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.1 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 1.3 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.3 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2412-382X

Latest Articles

18 pages, 6313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of Physical–Chemical and Structural-Phase Mechanisms in Ti-Al Intermetallic Coating Formation

by Almaz Nazarov, Rustem Nagimov, Alexey Oleinik, Alexey Maslov, Alexey Nikolaev, Kamil Ramazanov, Vladimir Denisov, Yuri Ivanov and Elena Korznikova

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040031 - 2 Dec 2024

This study examines coatings based on Ti-Al system intermetallics deposited in a nitrogen environment. The research investigates the structure, phase composition, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of coatings with varying ratios of Ti-Al to TiAlN layer thicknesses. Multiple analytical techniques, including nanoindentation, sclerometry, [...] Read more.

This study examines coatings based on Ti-Al system intermetallics deposited in a nitrogen environment. The research investigates the structure, phase composition, chemical composition, and mechanical properties of coatings with varying ratios of Ti-Al to TiAlN layer thicknesses. Multiple analytical techniques, including nanoindentation, sclerometry, microhardness measurements, electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy, were employed. The results demonstrate that the coating architecture significantly influences its physical and mechanical properties. Notably, coatings with a variable thickness gradient structure exhibit the best properties and are the most promising for practical applications, offering enhanced hardness, wear resistance, and adhesion strength. Furthermore, the findings indicate that a carefully selected combination of layers can be used to control coating properties across a wide range, making these coatings highly suitable for demanding industrial applications. Full article

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14 pages, 3419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multievent Correlation with Neutron Volume Detectors

by Noah Nachtigall, Andreas Houben and Richard Dronskowski

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040030 - 28 Nov 2024

The development of advanced volume detectors for neutron time-of-flight diffractometers offers exciting new possibilities. This work takes advantage of these advances by implementing a novel data preprocessing algorithm, exemplified for the first time with data acquired during the operation of a singular mounting [...] Read more.

The development of advanced volume detectors for neutron time-of-flight diffractometers offers exciting new possibilities. This work takes advantage of these advances by implementing a novel data preprocessing algorithm, exemplified for the first time with data acquired during the operation of a singular mounting unit of the POWTEX detector placed at the POWGEN instrument (SNS, ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN, USA). Our approach exploits the additional depth information provided by the volume detector needed to correlate multiple neutron events to neutron trajectories of similar origin and probability. By comparing the properties of these trajectories with the expected physical behavior, one may first identify, then label, and ultimately remove unwanted events due to phenomena such as secondary scattering within the sample environment. This capability has the potential to significantly improve the quality and information content of data collected with neutron diffractometers. Full article

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13 pages, 1699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metallic Ca Aggregates Formed Along Ion Tracks and Optical Anisotropy in CaF₂ Crystals Irradiated with Swift Heavy Ions

by Hiroshi Amekura, Norito Ishikawa, Nariaki Okubo, Feng Chen, Kazumasa Narumi, Atsuya Chiba, Yoshimi Hirano, Keisuke Yamada, Shunya Yamamoto and Yuichi Saitoh

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040029 - 7 Nov 2024

It is known that swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation induces the shape elongation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in transparent insulators, which results in anisotropic optical absorption. Here, we report another type of the optical anisotropy induced in CaF₂ crystals without including [...] Read more.

It is known that swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation induces the shape elongation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in transparent insulators, which results in anisotropic optical absorption. Here, we report another type of the optical anisotropy induced in CaF₂ crystals without including intentionally embedded metal NPs. The CaF₂ samples were irradiated with 200 MeV Xe¹⁴⁺ ions with an incident angle of 45° from the surface normal. With the increasing fluence, an absorption band at ~550 nm, which is ascribed to Ca aggregates, increases both the intensity and the anisotropy. XTEM observation clarified the formation of the continuous line structures and the discontinuous NP chains parallel to the SHI beam. Numerical simulations of the optical absorption spectra suggested the NP chains but not the continuous line structures as the origin of the anisotropy. The optical anisotropy in CaF₂ irradiated with SHIs is different from the shape elongation of NPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modification of Materials by Using Energetic Ion/Electron Beams)

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16 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Optimizing the Automated Analysis of Inorganic Gunshot Residue Particles by SEM-EDX: From Synthetic Particle Standards to More Time-Efficient Settings for Daily Casework

by Zuzanna Brożek-Mucha and Iga Klag

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040028 - 6 Nov 2024

Gunshot residues deposited on all surfaces in the nearest vicinity of the shooting incident, when revealed, can contribute to the explanation of various aspects of such an incident for forensic purposes. Examinations of gunshot residue, mainly inorganic particles, at forensic laboratories are expected [...] Read more.

Gunshot residues deposited on all surfaces in the nearest vicinity of the shooting incident, when revealed, can contribute to the explanation of various aspects of such an incident for forensic purposes. Examinations of gunshot residue, mainly inorganic particles, at forensic laboratories are expected to be reliable and fast. This primarily depends on the performance of the used scanning electron microscope integrated with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and the automatic program searching for particles of defined characteristics. Among the milestones on the pathway towards quality assurance in examinations of gunshot particles, the invention of the synthetic gunshot residue specimen ought to be named. Such a specimen with particles of known chemical content, size, and location is now used for proficiency testing, which is a condition for a forensic laboratory to obtain accreditation in this subject matter. In this publication, the need for optimization of the procedure for the examination of a synthetic specimen, in alignment with the necessary modifications for real gunshot particles, has been addressed. The presented process of validation resulted in two procedures. The first demonstrates the full capacity of the instrument for detecting all particles present in the synthetic specimen, including the 0.5 micrometer particle at the magnification of 250×. The other procedure is the modification of the first, however aiming at 1-micrometer particles or bigger (at the magnification of 120×) and allowing the necessary backscattered signal threshold changes depending on the actual composition of gunshot residue as well as the abundance of light element debris in the case of real gunshot particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)

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17 pages, 4572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optical Energy Increasing in a Synchronized Motif-Ring Array of Autonomous Erbium-Doped Fiber Lasers

by José Octavio Esqueda de la Torre, Juan Hugo García-López, Rider Jaimes-Reátegui, José Luis Echenausía-Monroy, Eric Emiliano López-Muñoz, Héctor Eduardo Gilardi-Velázquez and Guillermo Huerta-Cuellar

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040027 - 29 Oct 2024

This work investigates the enhancement of optical energy in the synchronized dynamics of three erbium-doped fiber lasers (EDFLs) that are diffusively coupled in a unidirectional ring configuration without the need for external pump modulation. Before the system shows stable high-energy pulses, different dynamic [...] Read more.

This work investigates the enhancement of optical energy in the synchronized dynamics of three erbium-doped fiber lasers (EDFLs) that are diffusively coupled in a unidirectional ring configuration without the need for external pump modulation. Before the system shows stable high-energy pulses, different dynamic behaviors can be observed in the dynamics of the coupled lasers. The evolution of the studied system was analyzed using different techniques for different values of coupling strength. The system shows the well-known dynamic behavior towards chaos at weak coupling, starting with a fixed point at low coupling and passing through Hopf and torus bifurcations as the coupling strength increases. An interesting finding emerged at high coupling strengths, where phase locking occurs between the frequencies of the three lasers of the system. This phase-locking leads to a significant increase in the peak energy of the EDFL pulses, effectively converting the emission into short, high amplitude pulses. With this method, it is possible to significantly increase the peak energy of the laser compared to a continuous EDFL single pulse. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section High-Power Laser Physics)

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14 pages, 5956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Macro X-ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) Scanner System for In Situ Analysis of Paintings That Operates in a Static or Dynamic Method

by Renato P. de Freitas, Miguel A. de Oliveira, Matheus B. de Oliveira, André R. Pimenta, Valter de S. Felix, Marcelo O. Pereira, Elicardo A. S. Gonçalves, João V. L. Grechi, Fabricio L. e. Silva, Cristiano de S. Carvalho, Jonas G. R. S. Ataliba, Leandro O. Pereira, Lucas C. Muniz, Robson B. dos Santos and Vitor da S. Vital

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040026 - 17 Oct 2024

This work presents the development of a macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanner system for in situ analysis of paintings. The instrument was developed to operate using continuous acquisitions, where the module with the X-ray tube and detector moves at a constant speed, dynamically [...] Read more.

This work presents the development of a macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanner system for in situ analysis of paintings. The instrument was developed to operate using continuous acquisitions, where the module with the X-ray tube and detector moves at a constant speed, dynamically collecting spectra for each pixel of the artwork. Another possible configuration for the instrument is static acquisitions, where the module with the X-ray tube and detector remains stationary to acquire spectra for each pixel. The work also includes the analytical characterization of the system, which incorporates a 1.00 mm collimator that allows for a resolution of 1.76 mm. Additionally, the study presents the results of the analysis of two Brazilian paintings using this instrument. The elemental maps obtained enabled the characterization of the pigments used in the creation of the artworks and materials used in restoration processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Macro X-ray Fluorescence Applications)

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7 pages, 1275 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Stable and Tunable Erbium Ring Laser by Rayleigh Backscattering Feedback and Saturable Absorber for Single-Mode Operation

by Chien-Yu Liao, Yu-Hsin Kao, Ying-Zhen Chen, Kuan-Ming Cheng, Chun-Yen Lin, Tsu-Hsin Wu, Teng-Yao Yang and Chien-Hung Yeh

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(4), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8040025 - 2 Oct 2024

This work demonstrates a high-quality erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser in the L-band gain range by combining the Rayleigh backscattering (RB) feedback signal and unpumped EDF induced saturable absorber (SA) filter. The optical filter effect induced by the RB feedback injection and EDF [...] Read more.

This work demonstrates a high-quality erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser in the L-band gain range by combining the Rayleigh backscattering (RB) feedback signal and unpumped EDF induced saturable absorber (SA) filter. The optical filter effect induced by the RB feedback injection and EDF SA could generate single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) behavior and shrink the linewidth to sub-kHz. The output linewidth, power, and optical-signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of the fiber ring laser were also shown within the 42 nm wavelength bandwidth of 1565.0 to 1607.0 nm. Also, the instabilities of output power and central wavelength of each lasing lightwave were analyzed with a measurement time of 45 min. Full article

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24 pages, 3584 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tracking Detectors in Low-Energy Nuclear Physics: An Overview

by Jelena Vesić

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030024 - 3 Sep 2024

Advances in accelerator technology have enabled the use of exotic and intense radioactive ion beams. Enhancements to tracking detectors are necessary to accommodate increased particle rates. Recent advancements in digital electronics have led to the construction or planning of next-generation detectors. To conduct [...] Read more.

Advances in accelerator technology have enabled the use of exotic and intense radioactive ion beams. Enhancements to tracking detectors are necessary to accommodate increased particle rates. Recent advancements in digital electronics have led to the construction or planning of next-generation detectors. To conduct kinematically complete measurements, it is essential to track and detect all particles produced as a result of the reaction. Furthermore, the need for high-precision physics experiments has led to significant developments in the detector field. In recent years, highly efficient and highly granular tracking detectors have been developed. These detectors significantly enhance the physics programme at dedicated facilities. An overview of charged-particle tracking detectors in low-energy nuclear physics will be given. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)

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20 pages, 6840 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Does the Maximum Initial Beam Energy for Proton Therapy Have to Be 230 MeV?

by Chris J. Beltran, Alvaro Perales and Keith M. Furutani

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030023 - 3 Sep 2024

Proton therapy is increasingly widespread and requires an accelerator to provide the high energy protons. Most often, the accelerators used for proton therapy are cyclotrons and the maximum initial beam energy (MIBE) is about 230 MeV or more to be able to achieve [...] Read more.

Proton therapy is increasingly widespread and requires an accelerator to provide the high energy protons. Most often, the accelerators used for proton therapy are cyclotrons and the maximum initial beam energy (MIBE) is about 230 MeV or more to be able to achieve a range of approximately 30 cm in water. We ask whether such a high energy is necessary for adequate dosimetry for pathologies to be treated with proton beams. Eight patients of different clinical sites (brain, prostate, and head and neck cancers) were selected to conduct this study. We analyzed the tumor dose coverage and homogeneity, as well as healthy tissue protection for MIBE values of 120, 160, 180, 200 and 230 MeV. For each patient, a proton plan was developed using the particular MIBE and then using multifield optimization (MFO). In this way, 34 plans in total were generated to fulfill the unique clinical goals. This study found that MIBE of 120 MeV for brain tumors; 160 MeV for head and neck cancer; and remarkably, for prostate cancer, only 160 MeV for one patient case and 180 MeV for the remainder satisfied the clinical goals (words: 187 < approx. 200 words or less) Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)

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17 pages, 10560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Technique Characterization of Cartonnage and Linen Samples of an Egyptian Mummy from the Roman Period

by Francis Sanches, Isis Franzi, Josiane Cavalcante, Roberta Borges, Anderson de Paula, Alessandra Machado, Raysa Nardes, Ramon Santos, Hamilton Gama Filho, Renato Freitas, Joaquim Assis, Marcelino Anjos, Ricardo Lopes and Davi Oliveira

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030022 - 1 Sep 2024

Cited by 1

The historical and cultural significance of artistic works and archaeological artifacts underscores the imperative use of non-destructive testing methods in cultural heritage objects. Analyzing pigments in artwork poses a specific analytical challenge that demands a combination of various techniques to accurately determine chemical [...] Read more.

The historical and cultural significance of artistic works and archaeological artifacts underscores the imperative use of non-destructive testing methods in cultural heritage objects. Analyzing pigments in artwork poses a specific analytical challenge that demands a combination of various techniques to accurately determine chemical compositions. In this context, our work focused on the multi-analytical characterization of samples derived from fragments of a Roman-era Egyptian mummy named Kherima, dating back to around 200 AD. To identify the layers and elemental composition of the pigments used in the decoration, various techniques were employed: X-ray microfluorescence (µXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray computed microtomography (microCT). This multi-analytical approach facilitated the identification of the original pigments in the analyzed mummy fragments, along with insights into the materials used in the ground layer and the techniques applied in artifact manufacturing, indicating their accordance with the historical period and region to which they originally belonged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)

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13 pages, 1975 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Generalized N-Dimensional Effective Temperature for Cryogenic Systems in Accelerator Physics

by Heetae Kim and Chang-Soo Park

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030021 - 27 Aug 2024

Investigations into the properties of generalized effective temperature are conducted across arbitrary dimensions. Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution is displayed for one, two, and three dimensions, with effective temperatures expressed for each dimension. The energy density of blackbody radiation is examined as a function of dimensionality. [...] Read more.

Investigations into the properties of generalized effective temperature are conducted across arbitrary dimensions. Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution is displayed for one, two, and three dimensions, with effective temperatures expressed for each dimension. The energy density of blackbody radiation is examined as a function of dimensionality. Effective temperatures for non-uniform temperature distributions in one, two, three, and higher dimensions are presented, with generalizations extended to arbitrary dimensions. Furthermore, the application of generalized effective temperature is explored not only for linearly non-uniform temperature distributions but also for scenarios involving the volume fraction of two distinct temperature distributions. The effective temperature is determined for a cryogenic system supplied with both liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. This effective temperature is applied to the Coefficient of Performance (COP) in cryogenic systems and can also be applied to high-energy accelerator physics, including high-dimensional physics. Full article

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16 pages, 4422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coulomb Spike Model of Radiation Damage in Wide Band-Gap Insulators

by Jean-Marc Costantini and Tatsuhiko Ogawa

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030020 - 9 Aug 2024

A novel Coulomb spike concept is applied to the radiation damage induced in LiF and SiO₂ with about the same mass density (~2.65 g cm⁻³) by

{}_{28}^{60}{N i}

and

{}_{36}^{84}{K r}

ions of 1.0-MeV u⁻¹ [...] Read more.

A novel Coulomb spike concept is applied to the radiation damage induced in LiF and SiO₂ with about the same mass density (~2.65 g cm⁻³) by

{}_{28}^{60}{N i}

and

{}_{36}^{84}{K r}

ions of 1.0-MeV u⁻¹ energy for about the same electronic energy loss (~10 MeV µm⁻¹). This is an alternative concept to the already known models of the Coulomb spike and inelastic thermal spike for the damage induced by swift heavy ion irradiations. The distribution of ionizations and electrostatic energy gained in the electric field by the ionized atoms is computed with the PHITS code for both targets. Further, the atomic collision cascades induced by these low-energy hot ions of about 500 eV are simulated with the SRIM2013 code. It is found that melting is reached in a small volume for SiO₂ due to the energy deposition in the subthreshold events of nuclear collisions induced by the Si and O ions. For LiF, the phonon contribution to the stopping power of the lighter Li and F ions is not sufficient to induce melting, even though the melting temperature is lower than for SiO₂. The formation of amorphous domains in SiO₂ is likely after fast quenching of the small molten pockets, whereas only point defects may be formed in LiF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)

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42 pages, 11257 KiB

Open AccessReview

Quantum Correlation Enhanced Optical Imaging

by Siddhant Vernekar and Jolly Xavier

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030019 - 2 Aug 2024

Quantum correlations, especially time correlations, are crucial in ghost imaging for significantly reducing the background noise on the one hand while increasing the imaging resolution. Moreover, the time correlations serve as a critical reference, distinguishing between signal and noise, which in turn enable [...] Read more.

Quantum correlations, especially time correlations, are crucial in ghost imaging for significantly reducing the background noise on the one hand while increasing the imaging resolution. Moreover, the time correlations serve as a critical reference, distinguishing between signal and noise, which in turn enable clear visualization of biological samples. Quantum imaging also addresses the challenge involved in imaging delicate biological structures with minimal photon exposure and sample damage. Here, we explore the recent progress in quantum correlation-based imaging, notably its impact on secure imaging and remote sensing protocols as well as on biological imaging. We also exploit the quantum characteristics of heralded single-photon sources (HSPS) combined with decoy state methods for secure imaging. This method uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) principles to reduce measurement uncertainties and protect data integrity. It is highly effective in low-photon number regimes for producing high-quality, noise-reduced images. The versatility of decoy state methods with WCSs (WCS) is also discussed, highlighting their suitability for scenarios requiring higher photon numbers. We emphasize the dual advantages of these techniques: improving image quality through noise reduction and enhancing data security with quantum encryption, suggesting significant potential for quantum imaging in various applications, from delicate biological imaging to secure quantum imaging and communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical and Biological Applications)

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16 pages, 1814 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Comparative Evaluation of Two Analytical Functions for the Microdosimetry of Ions from ¹H to ²³⁸U

by Alessio Parisi, Keith M. Furutani, Tatsuhiko Sato and Chris J. Beltran

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030018 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 2

The analytical microdosimetric function (AMF) implemented in the Monte Carlo code PHITS is a unique tool that bridges the gap between macro- and microscopic scales of radiation interactions, enabling accurate microdosimetric calculations over macroscopic bodies. The original AMF was published in 2006, based [...] Read more.

The analytical microdosimetric function (AMF) implemented in the Monte Carlo code PHITS is a unique tool that bridges the gap between macro- and microscopic scales of radiation interactions, enabling accurate microdosimetric calculations over macroscopic bodies. The original AMF was published in 2006, based on the results of track structure calculations. Recently, a newer version of the AMF was proposed, incorporating an improved description of the energy loss at the microscopic scale. This study compares the older and the newer AMFs in computing microdosimetric probability distributions, mean values, and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). To this end, 16000 microdosimetric lineal energy probability density distributions were simulated with PHITS for ions from ¹H to ²³⁸U over a broad energy range (1–1000 MeV/n). The newer AMF was found to offer superior performance, particularly for very heavy ions, producing results that align more closely with published in vitro clonogenic survival experiments. These findings suggest that the updated AMF provides a more reliable tool for microdosimetric calculations and RBE modeling, essential for ion radiation therapy and space radiation protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)

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8 pages, 1959 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Prototype Setup Hardware Choice for the DUCK System

by Dmitriy Beznosko, Valeriy Aseykin, Alexander Dyshkant, Alexander Iakovlev, Oleg Krivosheev, Tatiana Krivosheev, Vladimir Shiltsev and Valeriy Zhukov

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(3), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8030017 - 10 Jul 2024

This article covers the overall design hardware choices for the prototyping activities for the DUCK (Detector system of Unusual Cosmic ray casKades). The primary goal of the DUCK system is to verify the existence of the unusual cosmic events reported by other collaborations [...] Read more.

This article covers the overall design hardware choices for the prototyping activities for the DUCK (Detector system of Unusual Cosmic ray casKades). The primary goal of the DUCK system is to verify the existence of the unusual cosmic events reported by other collaborations and to look at the possibilities of adding innovations to the EAS (Extensive Atmospheric Shower) analysis methods of the EAS disk measurements at the observation level. Additionally, design and construction of the system provide educational experience to the students involved in the project and are developing the research capabilities of the university campus. The prototyping process has helped to choose between various design solutions in the process of optimizing of the individual detector components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Instrumentation and Facilities)

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20 pages, 7839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Energy Pulsed Laser Beam to Produce a Thin Layer of Crystalline Silver without Heating the Deposition Substrate and Its Catalytic Effects

by Alexandru Cocean, Georgiana Cocean, Cristina Postolachi, Silvia Garofalide, Daniela Angelica Pricop, Bogdanel Silvestru Munteanu, Georgiana Bulai, Nicanor Cimpoesu, Iuliana Motrescu, Vasile Pelin, Razvan Vasile Ababei, Dan-Gheorghe Dimitriu, Iuliana Cocean and Silviu Gurlui

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020016 - 19 Jun 2024

Crystalline silver thin layers were obtained using high-energy pulsed laser ablation without the heating of the deposition substrate. The fluid Plateau–Rayleigh (PRI), Rayleigh–Taylor (RTI), and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RMI) instabilities, as well as the crown splash induced during the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in the [...] Read more.

Crystalline silver thin layers were obtained using high-energy pulsed laser ablation without the heating of the deposition substrate. The fluid Plateau–Rayleigh (PRI), Rayleigh–Taylor (RTI), and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RMI) instabilities, as well as the crown splash induced during the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in the high energy regime, resulting in ring and pearl-shaped structures, offer the benefit of an increased sorption surface. These morphological structures obtained for the silver thin layers make them of interest for catalytic applications. This study addresses both fundamental and applied issues on the morphological structures obtained for the silver thin layers and their catalytic function in organic processes. In this sense, the catalytic action of the thin silver layer was highlighted by modifications of the Reactive Blue 21 dye (C.I.) in an aqueous solution with sodium bicarbonate. Specific investigations and analyses were carried out using electron microscopy and elemental analysis (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and profilometry, mass spectrometry, ablation plasma diagnosis, diffractograms (XRD), as well as IR spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition to the experimental investigation and analyses, the simulation of the ionization energy threshold was conducted in COMSOL for complementary evaluation on the involved processes and phenomena. Full article

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12 pages, 2813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Avoided Level Crossing Muon Spin Resonance Spectra of Muoniated Radicals in Anisotropic Environments: Estimation of Muon Dipolar Hyperfine Parameters for Lorentzian-like Δ₁ Resonances

by Iain McKenzie, Victoria L. Karner and Robert Scheuermann

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020015 - 17 Jun 2024

Avoided level crossing muon spin resonance (ALC-

μ

SR) is used to characterize muoniated free radicals. These radicals are used as probes of the local environment and reorientational motion of specific components in complex systems. The parameter that provides information about the anisotropic [...] Read more.

Avoided level crossing muon spin resonance (ALC-

μ

SR) is used to characterize muoniated free radicals. These radicals are used as probes of the local environment and reorientational motion of specific components in complex systems. The parameter that provides information about the anisotropic motion is the motionally-averaged muon dipolar-hyperfine coupling constant (

⟨D_{μ}^{‖}⟩

). The ALC-

μ

SR spectra of muoniated radicals in anisotropic environments frequently have Lorentzian-like

Δ_{1}

resonances, which makes it challenging to extract

⟨D_{μ}^{‖}⟩

. In this paper, we derive a means to estimate

| ⟨D_{μ}^{‖}⟩ |

from ALC-

μ

SR spectra with Lorentzian-like resonances by measuring the amplitude, width, and position of the

Δ_{1}

resonance and the amplitude, width, and position of a

Δ_{0}

resonance. Numerical simulations were used to test this relationship for radicals with a wide range of muon and proton hyperfine parameters. We use this methodology to determine

| ⟨D_{μ}^{‖}⟩ |

for the Mu adducts of the cosurfactant 2-phenylethanol in

C_{12}

E₄ bilayers. From this we determined the amplitude of the anisotropic reorientational motion of the cosurfactant. Full article

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9 pages, 3130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Collimation on Diffraction Signal-to-Background Ratios at a Neutron Diffractometer

by Dunji Yu, Yan Chen, David Conner, Kevin Berry, Harley Skorpenske and Ke An

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020014 - 30 May 2024

High diffraction signal-to-background ratios (SBRs), the ratio of diffraction peak integrated intensity over its background intensity, are desirable for a neutron diffractometer to acquire good statistics for diffraction pattern measurements and subsequent data analysis. For a given detector, while the diffraction peak signals [...] Read more.

High diffraction signal-to-background ratios (SBRs), the ratio of diffraction peak integrated intensity over its background intensity, are desirable for a neutron diffractometer to acquire good statistics for diffraction pattern measurements and subsequent data analysis. For a given detector, while the diffraction peak signals primarily depend on the characteristics of the neutron beam and sample coherent scattering, the background largely originates from the sample incoherent scattering and the scattering from the instrument space. In this work, we investigated the effect of collimation on neutron diffraction SBRs of Si powder measurements using one high-angle area detector bank coupled with six different collimation configurations in a large and complex instrument space at the engineering materials diffractometer VULCAN, SNS, ORNL. The results revealed that the diffraction SBRs can be significantly improved by a proper coarse collimator that leaves no gap between the detector and the collimator, and the improvement of SBRs by a fine radial collimator was remarkable with a proper coarse collimator in place but not distinguishable without one. It was also found that the diffraction SBRs were not effectively improved by adding the neutron-absorbing element boron to the fine radial collimator body, which indicates that either the absorption of secondary scattered neutrons by the added boron is insignificant or the collimator base material (resin and ABS) alone attenuates background scattering sufficiently. These findings could serve as a useful reference for diffractometer developers and/or operators to optimize their collimation to achieve higher diffraction SBRs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Instrumentation and Facilities)

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15 pages, 5720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Dosimetry Studies for FLASH Radiation Therapy (RT) with Ultra-High Dose Rate (UHDR) Electron Beam

by Nick Gazis, Andrea Bignami, Emmanouil Trachanas, Melina Moniaki, Evangelos Gazis, Dimitrios Bandekas and Nikolaos Vordos

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020013 - 24 May 2024

Cited by 1

FLASH-radiotherapy (RT) presents great potential as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy methods in cancer treatment. In this paper, we focus on simulation studies for a linear particle accelerator injector design using the ASTRA code, which permits beam generation and particle tracking through electromagnetic [...] Read more.

FLASH-radiotherapy (RT) presents great potential as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy methods in cancer treatment. In this paper, we focus on simulation studies for a linear particle accelerator injector design using the ASTRA code, which permits beam generation and particle tracking through electromagnetic fields. Space charge-dominated beams were selected with the aim of providing an optimized generated beam profile and accelerator lattice with minimized emittance. The main results of the electron beam and ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) simulation dosimetry studies are reported for the FLASH mode radiobiological treatment. Results for the percentage depth dose (PDD) at electron beam energies of 5, 7, 15, 25, 50, 100 MeV and 1.2 GeV for Poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and water phantom vs. the penetration depth are presented. Additionally, the PDD transverse profile was simulated for the above energies, delivering the beam to the phantom. The simulation dosimetry results provide an UHDR electron beam under the conditions of the FLASH-RT. The performance of the beam inside the phantom and the dose depth depends on the linear accelerator beam’s energy and stability. Full article

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17 pages, 3654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Cu Oxide and Cu Nitride Films by Energetic Ion Impact

by Noriaki Matsunami, Masao Sataka, Satoru Okayasu and Bun Tsuchiya

Quantum Beam Sci. 2024, 8(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs8020012 - 10 Apr 2024

We have investigated lattice disordering of cupper oxide (Cu₂O) and copper nitride (Cu₃N) films induced by high- and low-energy ion impact, knowing that the effects of electronic excitation and elastic collision play roles by these ions, respectively. For high-energy [...] Read more.

We have investigated lattice disordering of cupper oxide (Cu₂O) and copper nitride (Cu₃N) films induced by high- and low-energy ion impact, knowing that the effects of electronic excitation and elastic collision play roles by these ions, respectively. For high-energy ion impact, degradation of X-ray diffraction (XRD) intensity per ion fluence or lattice disordering cross-section (Y_XD) fits to the power-law: Y_XD = (B_XDS_e)^NXD, with S_e and B_XD being the electronic stopping power and a constant. For Cu₂O and Cu₃N, N_XD is obtained to be 2.42 and 1.75, and B_XD is 0.223 and 0.54 (kev/nm)⁻¹. It appears that for low-energy ion impact, Y_XD is nearly proportional to the nuclear stopping power (S_n). The efficiency of energy deposition, Y_XD/S_e, as well as Y_sp/S_e, is compared with Y_XD/S_n, as well as Y_sp/S_n. The efficiency ratio R_XD = (Y_XD/S_e)/(Y_XD/S_n) is evaluated to be ~0.1 and ~0.2 at S_e = 15 keV/nm for Cu₂O and Cu₃N, meaning that the efficiency of electronic energy deposition is smaller than that of nuclear energy deposition. R_sp = (Y_sp/S_e)/(Y_sp/S_n) is evaluated to be 0.46 for Cu₂O and 0.7 for Cu₃N at S_e = 15 keV/nm. Full article

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