In the heart of Beijing, the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) is pushing the boundaries of radiation effects research, with implications that resonate across the energy sector and beyond. Led by a team of dedicated scientists, including Dr. Guo Gang and his colleagues from the Department of Nuclear Physics, CIAE is tackling the challenges posed by radiation in aerospace, nuclear energy, healthcare, and agriculture.
The institute has established a suite of advanced facilities, leveraging large-scale scientific infrastructures like the HI-13 Tandem Accelerator and various cyclotrons. These tools are not just for show; they’re actively simulating and investigating radiation effects on electronic devices, nuclear materials, and biological systems. “Our goal is to understand and mitigate the impacts of radiation, enabling safer and more efficient technologies,” said Dr. Guo.
In the realm of electronic devices, CIAE’s work is nothing short of groundbreaking. They’ve developed heavy ion, proton, and neutron irradiation facilities, crucial for evaluating device performance. But what sets them apart is their heavy ion microbeam system, which delves into the microscopic mechanisms of single event effects (SEEs). Their research has already supported China’s space missions, a testament to their capabilities.
Dr. Yuan Daqing, another key figure in the team, emphasized the importance of their work in nuclear materials. “We’re conducting extensive ion irradiation experiments on materials used in pressurized water reactors, fast reactors, and fusion reactors,” he explained. This research is pivotal for screening radiation-resistant materials and understanding irradiation effects, directly impacting nuclear safety and efficiency.
Meanwhile, in the field of biological radiation effects, CIAE is making strides in hazard assessment, protection strategies, and application-oriented technologies. Their work spans radiation biological effect mechanisms, risk assessment, radiotherapy, and even radiation breeding, contributing to public health and agricultural development.
As China advances its major projects in deep-space exploration, nuclear energy, and fusion engineering, CIAE’s research takes on even greater significance. Their plans to strategize the construction of next-generation large-scale accelerators and develop advanced radiation effects simulation technologies promise to shape the future of the energy sector.
Published in the journal *Atomic Energy Science and Technology*, CIAE’s work is a beacon of innovation, driving progress in radiation effects research and paving the way for safer, more efficient technologies. As the world grapples with the challenges of nuclear safety and space exploration, CIAE’s contributions are more crucial than ever. Their research not only supports major national strategies but also holds the potential to revolutionize the energy sector, making it a compelling story for professionals in the field.