Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 65461 KB)

A common method to examine the reliability of thin films and small volumes of irradiated materials being used in aerospace, energy, and protective coating applications is biaxial straining. With such tests, the fracture and deformation mechanisms occurring under multi-axial stress states can be [...] Read more.

A common method to examine the reliability of thin films and small volumes of irradiated materials being used in aerospace, energy, and protective coating applications is biaxial straining. With such tests, the fracture and deformation mechanisms occurring under multi-axial stress states can be investigated, which can strongly differ from the simpler uniaxial one. However, devices that can apply a precise and synchronously applied biaxial strain tend to be too large for foils or thin films and do not allow for additional observation methods to be applied to examine film fracture or deformation during the test. A prototype device that can apply synchronous equi-biaxial and semi-biaxial strains and can be combined with multiple in situ methods is introduced. The device is light and compact in design, which allows it to be mounted on optical light microscopes, atomic force microscopes, inside scanning electron microscopes, and even on X-ray beamlines for reflection or transmission measurements. Additionally, digital image correlation was utilized in two geometries to measure strains on a local or global level. The possible errors associated with the device and experiments on polyimide foils and a 100 nm tungsten film on polyimide are presented.Full article

Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis (NRTA) is a non-destructive technique allowing the elemental and isotopic characterization of materials and objects. This study represents a first step toward understanding the NRTA technique and developing a novel compact system adapted for industrial applications. The industrial feasibility [...] Read more.

Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis (NRTA) is a non-destructive technique allowing the elemental and isotopic characterization of materials and objects. This study represents a first step toward understanding the NRTA technique and developing a novel compact system adapted for industrial applications. The industrial feasibility of the NRTA was assessed by simulating a compact system using the Monte Carlo code MCNP 6.1. Neutron transmission spectra were generated for various metallic samples, ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 cm in thickness, and analyzed using a home-developed quantification method that incorporates nuclear cross sections from the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library and accounts for instrumental resolution. For this first study, an idealized configuration was considered, with a 0 µs pulsed neutron source and a Gaussian resolution function, to validate the methodology under a simple controlled condition. The results demonstrate that the areal densities of isotopes of Uranium and Plutonium can be determined with relative deviations below 10%, even under compact measurement conditions. This study validates the characterization method and represents a first step toward the continued development of an industrial NRTA prototype for rapid, non-destructive isotopic control of nuclear materials.Full article

Ultrashort bunch length measurements are crucial for characterizing electron beams in short-pulse accelerators, including novel accelerators like EuPRAXIA and those used for free-electron lasers (FELs). This work provides an overview of the design process and the current status of a single-shot bunch length [...] Read more.

Ultrashort bunch length measurements are crucial for characterizing electron beams in short-pulse accelerators, including novel accelerators like EuPRAXIA and those used for free-electron lasers (FELs). This work provides an overview of the design process and the current status of a single-shot bunch length monitor prototype based on a broadband spatial imaging system for coherent transition radiation (CTR), which was recently installed at the MAX IV short-pulse facility (SPF). The THz-based imaging system was designed using optical system simulation software for full bunch simulation. CTR images were captured experimentally, followed by image analysis for comparison with reference bunch length data from the transverse deflecting cavity (TDC). This paper presents the conceptualization and design choices for the optical system of the bunch length monitor, the current experimental set-up, the installation details, and preliminary positive observations confirming the potential of this method as a novel approach to bunch length monitoring using spatial CTR images and a scalar technique, with potential for future bunch profile measurements.Full article

Cherenkov radiation is a widely used detection mechanism in high-energy and astroparticle physics experiments, particularly in water-based detectors operated by leading cosmic-ray observatories. Its popularity stems from its robustness, cost-effectiveness, and high detection efficiency across a broad range of environmental conditions. In this [...] Read more.

Cherenkov radiation is a widely used detection mechanism in high-energy and astroparticle physics experiments, particularly in water-based detectors operated by leading cosmic-ray observatories. Its popularity stems from its robustness, cost-effectiveness, and high detection efficiency across a broad range of environmental conditions. In this study, we present a detailed Monte Carlo characterization of a Water Cherenkov Detector (WCD) using the Geant4 simulation toolkit as a general, experiment-independent reference for understanding detector responses to secondary cosmic-ray particles. The detector is modeled to register secondary particles produced by the interaction of high-energy cosmic-ray primaries with the Earth’s atmosphere, which give rise to extensive air showers composed of hadronic, electromagnetic, and muonic components capable of reaching ground level. By simulating the differential energy spectra and angular distributions of these particles at the surface, we evaluate the WCD response in terms of energy deposition, Cherenkov photon production, photoelectron generation at the photomultiplier tube, and the resulting charge spectra. The results establish a systematic and transferable baseline for detector performance characterization and particle identification, providing a physically grounded reference that can support calibration, trigger optimization, and analysis efforts across different WCD-based experiments.Full article

A positioning system employing visual fiducial markers (AprilTags) has been implemented for use with handheld mine detection equipment. To be suitable for a battery-powered real-time application, the system has been designed to operate at low power (<100 mW) and frame rates between 30 [...] Read more.

A positioning system employing visual fiducial markers (AprilTags) has been implemented for use with handheld mine detection equipment. To be suitable for a battery-powered real-time application, the system has been designed to operate at low power (<100 mW) and frame rates between 30 and 50 fps. The system has been integrated into an experimental dual-mode detector system. Position-indexed metal detector and ground-penetrating radar data from laboratory and field trials are presented. The accuracy and precision of the vision-based system are found to be 1.2 cm and 0.5 cm, respectively.Full article

A multi-strip detector made of synthetic single crystal diamond (SCD), based on a p-type/intrinsic diamond/Schottky metal transverse configuration and operating at zero bias voltage, was developed for imaging from extreme UV (EUV) to soft X-rays. The photodetector was patterned with 32 strips made [...] Read more.

A multi-strip detector made of synthetic single crystal diamond (SCD), based on a p-type/intrinsic diamond/Schottky metal transverse configuration and operating at zero bias voltage, was developed for imaging from extreme UV (EUV) to soft X-rays. The photodetector was patterned with 32 strips made of boron-doped diamond directly deposited, by means of the CVD technique and the standard lithographic technique, on top of the HPHT diamond growth substrate. The width of each strip and the gap between two adjacent strips were 100 μm and 20 μm, respectively. The strips were embedded in intrinsic SCD of an active area of 3.2 × 2.5 mm², also deposited using the CVD technique in a separate growing machine. In the present structure, the prototype photodetector is suitable for 1D imaging. However, all the dimensions above can be varied depending on the applications. The use of p-type diamond strips represents an attempt to mitigate the photoelectron emission from metal contacts, a non-negligible problem under EUV irradiation. The detector was tested with UV radiation and soft X-rays. To test the photodetector as an imaging device, a headboard (XDAS-DH) and a signal processing board (XDAS-SP) were used as front-end electronics. A standard XDAS software was used to acquire the experimental data. The results of the tests and the detector’s construction process are presented and discussed in the paper.Full article

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 378 KB)

Laser-accelerated electron beams, in the so-called Very High-Energy Electron (VHEE) energy range, are of great interest for biomedical applications. For instance, laser-driven VHEE beams are envisaged to offer suitable compact accelerators for the promising field of FLASH radiotherapy. Radiobiology experiments carried out using [...] Read more.

Laser-accelerated electron beams, in the so-called Very High-Energy Electron (VHEE) energy range, are of great interest for biomedical applications. For instance, laser-driven VHEE beams are envisaged to offer suitable compact accelerators for the promising field of FLASH radiotherapy. Radiobiology experiments carried out using laser-driven beams require the real-time knowledge of the dose delivered to the sample. We have developed an online dose monitoring procedure, using an Integrating Current Transformer (ICT) coupled to a suitable collimator, that allows the estimation of the delivered dose on a shot-to-shot basis under suitable assumptions. The cross-calibration of the measured charge with standard offline dosimetry measurements carried out with RadioChromic Films (RCFs) is discussed, demonstrating excellent correlation between the two measurements.Full article

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is a world-leading astronomical observatory, where the Italian partnership has played an important role in increasing the telescope’s productivity, both through an optimized observing strategy and through peer-reviewed publications that are well recognized by the international astronomical community. [...] Read more.

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is a world-leading astronomical observatory, where the Italian partnership has played an important role in increasing the telescope’s productivity, both through an optimized observing strategy and through peer-reviewed publications that are well recognized by the international astronomical community. This manuscript provides an updated overview of the active and past instruments at LBT, together with key usage statistics. In particular, we analyze the operational performance recorded in the LBT Italia night logs during INAF’s observing time and assess the scientific impact of each instrument. Between 2014 and 2025, LBT Italia produced an average of 14 refereed publications per year, based on an annual average of 311 h of on-sky time. This corresponds to approximately 2.2 nights of telescope time per publication. The results of this analysis are placed in an international context to evaluate the competitiveness of LBT, and we outline future perspectives for scientific exploitation.Full article

Accurate knowledge of a patient’s anatomy during every treatment fraction in proton therapy is an important prerequisite to ensure a correct dose deposition in the target volume. Adaptive proton therapy aims to detect those changes and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. One way [...] Read more.

Accurate knowledge of a patient’s anatomy during every treatment fraction in proton therapy is an important prerequisite to ensure a correct dose deposition in the target volume. Adaptive proton therapy aims to detect those changes and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. One way to trigger a daily re-planning of the treatment is to take a proton radiograph from the beam’s-eye view before the treatment to check for possible changes in the water equivalent thickness (WET) along the path due to daily changes in the patient’s anatomy. In this paper, the Two-Plane Imaging System (TPIS) is presented, comprising two ATLAS IBL silicon pixel-detector modules developed for the tracking detector of the ATLAS experiment at CERN. The prototype of the TPIS is described in detail, and proof-of-principle WET images are presented, of two-step phantoms and more complex phantoms with bone-like inlays (WET 10 to 40 mm). This study shows the capability of the TPIS to measure WET images with high precision. In addition, the potential of the TPIS to accurately determine WET changes over time down to 1 mm between subsequently taken WET images of a changing phantom is shown. This demonstrates the possible application of the TPIS and ATLAS IBL pixel-detector module in adaptive proton therapy.Full article

The increasing threat of terrorism involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) necessitates comprehensive evaluation and preparedness strategies, especially in densely populated public areas. This study aims to assess the potential consequences of RDD detonation, focusing on the effective doses received by individuals and the [...] Read more.

The increasing threat of terrorism involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) necessitates comprehensive evaluation and preparedness strategies, especially in densely populated public areas. This study aims to assess the potential consequences of RDD detonation, focusing on the effective doses received by individuals and the ground deposition of radioactive materials in a hypothetical urban environment. Utilizing the HotSpot code, simulations were performed to model the dispersion patterns of¹³⁷Cs and²⁴¹Am under varying meteorological conditions, mirroring the complexities of real-world scenarios as outlined in recent literature. The results demonstrate that¹³⁷Cs dispersal produces a wider contamination footprint, with effective doses exceeding the public exposure limit of 1 mSv at distances up to 1 km, necessitating broad protective actions. In contrast,²⁴¹Am generates higher localized contamination, with deposition levels surpassing cleanup thresholds near the release point, creating long-term remediation challenges. Dose estimates for first responders highlight the importance of adhering to operational dose limits, with scenarios approaching 100 mSv under urgent rescue conditions. Overall, the findings underscore the need for rapid dose assessment, early shelter-in-place orders, and targeted decontamination to reduce population exposure. These insights provide actionable guidance for emergency planners and first responders, enhancing preparedness protocols for RDD incidents in major urban centers.Full article

Maintaining physiologically controlled conditions during the transport of biological experiments remains a long-standing but under-addressed challenge in spaceflight operations. Pre-launch thermal or mechanical stress induce artefacts that compromise the interpretation of biological responses to space conditions. Existing transport systems are limited to basic [...] Read more.

Maintaining physiologically controlled conditions during the transport of biological experiments remains a long-standing but under-addressed challenge in spaceflight operations. Pre-launch thermal or mechanical stress induce artefacts that compromise the interpretation of biological responses to space conditions. Existing transport systems are limited to basic heating of small sample containers and lack the capability to power and protect full experimental hardware during mission-critical phases. A modular transport incubator was developed and validated that combines active thermal regulation, battery-buffered power management, and mechanical protection in a compact, field-deployable platform. It enables autonomous environmental conditioning of complex biological payloads and continuous operation of integrated scientific instruments during ground-based transport and recovery. Validation included controlled experiments under sub-zero ambient temperatures, demonstrating rapid warm-up, stable thermal regulation, and uninterrupted autonomous performance. A steady-state finite difference thermal model was experimentally validated across 21 boundary conditions, enabling predictive power requirement estimation for mission planning. Field deployments during multiple MAPHEUS^® sounding rocket campaigns confirmed functional robustness under wind, snow, and airborne recovery scenarios. The system closes a critical infrastructure gap in spaceflight logistics. Its validated performance, modular architecture, and proven operational readiness establish it as an enabling platform for standardized, reproducible ground handling of biological payloads and experiment hardware.Full article

Beam diagnostics are essential tools for monitoring the performance of charged particle beams and the safe operation of particle accelerators. The performance of an accelerator is determined by evaluating the properties of beam particles, such as energy, charge, spatial, and temporal density distributions, [...] Read more.

Beam diagnostics are essential tools for monitoring the performance of charged particle beams and the safe operation of particle accelerators. The performance of an accelerator is determined by evaluating the properties of beam particles, such as energy, charge, spatial, and temporal density distributions, which require very specific instruments. Faraday Cups (FCs) have emerged as important beam diagnostic devices because of their ability to accurately measure the beam charge and, in some cases, the charge distribution, which can be subsequently used to reconstruct transverse beam profiles. This paper aims to provide a detailed review of FCs, their principles, and their design challenges. FCs have applications in various scientific disciplines that include the measurement of beam current/intensity in particle accelerators, in addition to those for mass spectrometry, beam profiles/total beam currents for broad ion beams, thermonuclear fusion, and antimatter experiments. This review also covers and discusses the versatility of FCs in various scientific disciplines, along with showcasing the technological advancements that include improved collector materials, novel designs, enhanced measurement techniques, and developments in electronics and data acquisition (D.A.Q). A summary of the challenges faced while working with the FCs, such as sensitivity, calibration, and potential errors, is included in this review.Full article

Polymerization initiators are commonly used to lower the processing temperatures and accelerate the synthesis of plastic scintillators. However, these additives can reduce light output. Since plastic scintillator tiles, fibers, and bars are used in countless radiation detection instruments, from PET scanners to LHC [...] Read more.

Polymerization initiators are commonly used to lower the processing temperatures and accelerate the synthesis of plastic scintillators. However, these additives can reduce light output. Since plastic scintillator tiles, fibers, and bars are used in countless radiation detection instruments, from PET scanners to LHC calorimeters, any loss in light output immediately degrades the timing and energy resolution of the whole system. Understanding how the initiators alter scintillation performance is therefore important. In this study, five different plastic scintillator samples were produced with varying concentrations of two initiators, 2,2-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO), along with a reference sample containing no initiators. The relative light yield (RLY) was measured using four different gamma sources. Analyzing the Compton edges revealed that higher initiator concentrations consistently decrease the light output. This study shows that keeping the initiator concentration at 0.2% limits the reduction to 8%, whereas 0.5–1% loadings can lower the yield by 20–35%, providing realistic bounds on initiator levels for future plastic scintillator productions.Full article

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 232 KB)

Zirconium-89 (⁸⁹Zr) is a widely used radionuclide in immune-PET imaging due to its physical decay characteristics. Despite its importance, the production of⁸⁹Zr radiopharmaceuticals remains largely manual, with limited cost-effective automation solutions available. To address this, we developed an automated [...] Read more.

Zirconium-89 (⁸⁹Zr) is a widely used radionuclide in immune-PET imaging due to its physical decay characteristics. Despite its importance, the production of⁸⁹Zr radiopharmaceuticals remains largely manual, with limited cost-effective automation solutions available. To address this, we developed an automated system for the agile and reliable production of radiopharmaceuticals. The system performs transmutations, dissolution, and separation for a range of radioisotopes. Steps in the production of⁸⁹Zr-oxalate are used as an exemplar to illustrate its use. Three-dimensional (3D) printing was exploited to design and manufacture a target holder able to include solid targets, in this case an⁸⁹Y foil. Spot welding was used to attach⁸⁹Y to a refractory tantalum (Ta) substrate. A commercially available CPU chiller was repurposed to efficiently cool the metal target. Furthermore, a commercial resin (ZR Resin) and compact peristaltic pumps were employed in a compact (10 × 10 × 10 cm³) chemical separation unit that operates automatically via computer-controlled software. Additionally, a standalone 3D-printed unit was designed with three automated functionalities: photolabelling, vortex mixing, and controlled heating. All components of the assembly, except for the target holder, are housed inside a commercially available hot cell, ensuring safe and efficient operation in a controlled environment. This paper details the design, construction, and modelling of the entire assembly, emphasising its innovative integration and operational efficiency for widespread radiopharmaceutical automation.Full article

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 1123 KB)

This paper presents a technique for extracting the initial parameters of the longitudinal phase space of freshly injected bunches in an electron storage ring. This technique combines simulation of single-bunch longitudinal phase space evolution with a bunch-by-bunch data acquisition and processing system, enabling [...] Read more.

This paper presents a technique for extracting the initial parameters of the longitudinal phase space of freshly injected bunches in an electron storage ring. This technique combines simulation of single-bunch longitudinal phase space evolution with a bunch-by-bunch data acquisition and processing system, enabling high-precision determination of initial phase space parameters during electron storage ring injection—including the initial phase, initial bunch length, initial energy offset, initial energy spread, and initial energy chirp. In our experiments, a high-speed oscilloscope captured beam injection signals, which were then processed by the bunch-by-bunch data acquisition system to extract the evolution of the injected bunch’s phase and length. Additionally, a single-bunch simulation software package was developed, based on mbtrack2 and PyQt5, that is capable of simulating the phase space evolution of bunches under different initial parameters after injection. By employing a genetic algorithm to iteratively align simulation results with experimental data, the remaining initial phase space parameters of the injected bunch can be accurately determined.Full article

We present an experimental apparatus to investigate electron transport and thermalization in cryogenic para-hydrogen crystal matrices. This paper describes the techniques used to grow and characterize the cryogenic para-hydrogen crystals, the optical system employed to photoextract electrons, and the charge collection system used [...] Read more.

We present an experimental apparatus to investigate electron transport and thermalization in cryogenic para-hydrogen crystal matrices. This paper describes the techniques used to grow and characterize the cryogenic para-hydrogen crystals, the optical system employed to photoextract electrons, and the charge collection system used to study the behavior of electrons within the solid matrix. By probing the fundamental charge transport and energy loss processes in a quantum solid, such as para-hydrogen, this study paves the way for future precision experiments that leverage the unique properties of cryogenic crystal matrices.Full article

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are optical sensors widely used in space applications due to their high photon detection efficiency, low power consumption, and robustness. However, in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), their performance degrades over time due to prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, primarily from [...] Read more.

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are optical sensors widely used in space applications due to their high photon detection efficiency, low power consumption, and robustness. However, in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), their performance degrades over time due to prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, primarily from trapped protons and electrons. The dominant radiation-induced effect in SiPMs is an increase in dark current, which can compromise detector sensitivity. This study investigates the potential of thermal annealing as a mitigation strategy for radiation damage in SiPMs. We designed and tested PCB-integrated heaters to selectively heat irradiated SiPMs and induce recovery processes. A PID-controlled system was developed to stabilize the temperature at 100 °C, and a remotely controlled experimental setup was implemented to operate under irradiation conditions. Two SiPMs were simultaneously irradiated with 9 MeV protons at the EDRA facility, reaching a 1 MeV neutron equivalent cumulative fluence of (9.5 ± 0.2) × 10⁸ cm⁻². One sensor underwent thermal annealing between irradiation cycles, while the other served as a control. Throughout the experiment, dark current was continuously monitored using a source measure unit, and I–V curves were recorded before and after irradiation. A recovery of more than 39% was achieved after only 5 min of thermal cycling at 100 °C, supporting this recovery approach as a low-complexity strategy to mitigate radiation-induced damage in space-based SiPM applications and increase device lifetime in harsh environments.Full article

In the continuous pursuit of minimally invasive interventions while ensuring a radical excision of lesions, Radio-Guided Surgery (RGS) has been for years the standard for image-guided surgery procedures, such as the Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy (SLN), Radio-guided Seed Localization (RSL), etc. In RGS, [...] Read more.

In the continuous pursuit of minimally invasive interventions while ensuring a radical excision of lesions, Radio-Guided Surgery (RGS) has been for years the standard for image-guided surgery procedures, such as the Sentinel Lymph Node biopsy (SLN), Radio-guided Seed Localization (RSL), etc. In RGS, the lesion has to be identified precisely, in terms of position and extension. In such a context, going beyond the current one-point probes, introducing portable but high-resolution cameras, handholdable by the surgeon, would be highly beneficial. We developed and tested a novel compact, low-power, handheld gamma camera for radio-guided surgery. This is based on a particular position-sensitive Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology—the FBK linearly graded SiPM (LG-SiPM). Within the camera, the photodetector is made up of a 3 × 3 array of 10 × 10 mm² SiPM chips having a total area of more than 30 × 30 mm². This is coupled with a pixelated scintillator and a parallel-hole collimator. With the LG-SiPM technology, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of readout channels to just eight, simplifying the complexity and lowering the power consumption of the readout electronics while still preserving a good position resolution. The novel gamma camera is light (weight), and it is made to be a fully stand-alone system, therefore featuring wireless communication, battery power, and wireless recharge capabilities. We designed, simulated (electrically), and tested (functionally) the first prototypes of the novel gamma camera. We characterized the intrinsic position resolution (tested with pulsed light) as being ~200 µm, and the sensitivity and resolution when detecting gamma rays from Tc-99m source measured between 134 and 481 cps/MBq and as good as 1.4–1.9 mm, respectively.Full article

First demonstrated in 1942, subcritical and zero-power critical assemblies, also known as piles, are a fundamental tool for research and education at universities. Traditionally, their role has been primarily instructional and for measuring the fundamental properties of neutron diffusion and transport. However, these [...] Read more.

First demonstrated in 1942, subcritical and zero-power critical assemblies, also known as piles, are a fundamental tool for research and education at universities. Traditionally, their role has been primarily instructional and for measuring the fundamental properties of neutron diffusion and transport. However, these assemblies could hold potential for modern applications and nuclear research. The Purdue University subcritical pile previously lacked a substantial testing volume, limiting its utility to simple neutron activation experiments for the purpose of undergraduate education. Following the design and addition of a mechanical and electrical testbed, this paper aims to provide an overview of the testbed design and characterize the neutron flux of the rearranged Purdue subcritical pile, justifying its use as a modern scientific instrument. The newly installed 1.5 × 10⁵ cubic-centimeter volume testbed enables a systematic investigation of neutron and gamma effects on materials and the generation of a comprehensive data set with the potential for machine learning applications. The neutron flux throughout the pile is measured using gold-197 and indium-115 foil activation alongside cadmium-covered foils for two-group neutron energy classification. The neutron flux measurements are then used to benchmark a detailed geometrically and materialistically accurate Monte Carlo model using OpenMC 0.15.0 and MCNP 6.3. The experimental measurements reveal that the testbed has a neutron environment with a total neutron flux approaching 9.5 × 10³ n/cm² × s and a thermal flux of 6.5 × 10³ n/cm² × s. This work establishes that the modified Purdue subcritical pile can provide fair neutron and gamma fluxes within a large volume to enable the radiation testing of integral electronic components and can be a versatile research instrument with the potential to support material testing and limited isotope activation, while generating valuable training data sets for machine learning algorithms in nuclear applications.Full article