SESTRA - The effective instrument on a way to better comprehension of space radiation properties and its impact
- Paper number
IAC-22,E1,8,2,x71510
- Author
Dr. Michael Holik, Czech Republic, Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague
- Coauthor
Mr. Vladimir Vicha, Czech Republic, Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague
- Coauthor
Prof. Stanislav Pospisil, Czech Republic, Czech Technical University In Prague (CTU)
- Coauthor
Dr. Robert Filgas, Czech Republic, Czech Technical University In Prague (CTU)
- Coauthor
Prof. Ivan Stekl, Czech Republic, Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague
- Year
2022
- Abstract
A pixel detector technology proved to be a very powerful instrument successfully applied in radiation detection, monitoring, recognition, analysis, and of course, it contributed to indisputable progress in scientific and technological research. Its recognition abilities are considered outstanding to other detector technology. Trend of miniaturization allowed to shrink the spacious radiation study laboratory oftenly consisting of bulky instruments into dimensions of a compact hand held tool while keeping high performance and providing valuable results. SESTRA (School Education Set with Timepix for Radiation Analysis) the educational kit, based on Timepix pixel detector developed in CERN, supplemented with a wide set of accessories (radiation sources, mechanical adapters, positionating system, a book of detailed guidelines, acquisition control and visualization software tool, etc.) was designed to maximally ease user handling and reproduction of exemplary experiments. A form of real time visualization of a detector response to impacting radiation demonstrates in a clean way the different properties of different radiation types (i.e. all basic kinds of ionizing radiation, such as alpha, beta particles, as well as gamma rays and cosmic muons). In the case of working principles of some commonly exploited techniques (i.e. radiography, determination of material composition, thin layer measurement, etc.) the hands-on experience provided by the educational kit substantially helps in the principle understanding. Especially for high school students and university students, who are the main targeting user group, it makes learning more attractive and motivating to progress in further study. However, the potential profit of the educational kit is not solely limited to that group. It can be considered as a general tool allowing a rapid familiarization with specific aspects of radiation related problematics. Beside the experiments directly practicable with the provided sources of basic radiation kinds, the educational kit concept allows to proceed with a study of cosmic radiation via accessing and analyzing datasets gained at passed space missions experienced on board of satellites at the earth orbit equipped with the Timepix pixel detector similar to one contained in SESTRA kit. It gives further perspective to importance in understanding of radiation properties and its potential impact (e.g. radiation field composition analysis, dose delivery and harmful effect on electronics and human crew, etc.).
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-22,E1,8,2,x71510.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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