Project Description
Radiation exposure is one of the most challenging problems facing long-term, deep-space human exploration missions. The hazards associated with long-term exposure to Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR), and acute exposure from Solar Particle Events, threaten the feasibility of such human missions. Existing "passive" shielding technology does not effectively stop GCR particles and are ineffective during long duration, deep-space missions. It is imperative that we find materials for "active" radiation shielding designs (ARS), a method that can harness the Lorentz force to divert harmful radiation away from the crew and from human habitats. Such shields are urgently needed in order to protect humans during interplanetary space travel (e.g., to Mars), or in extraterrestrial habitats (e.g., living on Mars). This SURF project will focus on growing and studying the effect of radiation exposure on crystal structure, defect structure, and function. We will subject shielding material to high energy heavy ion and proton radiation exposure, with energies characteristic of actual space radiation. We will use terrestrial particle accelerators such as the National Space Radiation Laboratory and the Argonne Tandem Linear Accelerator System. In the longer run, we hope to send materials to the International Space Station for additional studies in a real environment.
Tasks and Responsibilites
In collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI) and other students and researchers in the PI's lab, the student will grow complex materials in polycrystalline and single crystalline forms. The student will then study crystal structure, electrical and thermal transport, and other properties at low temperature. As this is a fast-moving field of research, the exact materials being experimented upon for use for Active Radiation Shielding (ARS) will change from time to time, and will be as proposed by the Principal Investigator (PI). If feasible, the student will also accompany the PI and his PhD students to the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) where the materials will be exposed to radiation that resembles Galactic Cosmic Radiation and further characterized. Finally, the student will be involved in several ongoing activities such as outreach to the community, presentation of work at poster sessions, some proposal writing, panel discussions, and collaborator discovery such as with NSF iCorps.
Desired Qualifications
None.