University of Seville / Centro Nacional de Aceleradores
Optimization of 10Be detection
Trainee: Grazia Scognamiglio
Supervisor: Dr. Jose María López
The work will include investigation into the physical processes involved in 10Be detection by AMS, the search for the optimum settings of the existing system and the design of modifications to increase both, the sensitivity and the efficiency. The results of this project will have strong impact on other small AMS facilities, as this radionuclide is probably the most requested from those measured by AMS after 14C since it can be used as a dating tool or as a measurement of solar exposure.
Video:
Design a detection system for verifying a 2D method of image reconstruction for Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment
Trainee: Maria Cristina Battaglia
Supervisor: Dr. Jose M. Espino and Dr. Marcos Alvarez
The Fellow will be embedded into the basic nuclear physics group at US/CNA in collaboration with the department of atomic, molecular and nuclear physics and the hospital “Virgen de Macarena”. The aim is to design a detection system for verifying a 2D method of image 
reconstruction for Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Treatment (IMRT). The experimental setup is based on a novel silicon strip detector, designed following clinical constraints, coupled to an home-made purpose-built electronics and acquisition system that will be setup around phantoms made of water-equivalent material. A Geant4 application to simulate the energy deposited in the detector, irradiated by 6MV beams from a Siemens PRIMUS linac dual energy machine, will be developed. The goal of these studies is to estimate the sensitivity of Si-detectors in different situations, according to the energy deposited in each electrode. Experimental measurements to evaluate the performance of the detection system, test Geant4 calculations and validate the 2D reconstruction method will be performed. Secondly, new detection technologies will be considered for improving IMRT. Whilst the project targets IMRT, the detection technique and the corresponding simulation, are very relevant for many other applications.
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Ion implantation at particle accelerators for nanoparticle production
Trainee: Salvatore Bruschetta
Supervisor: Dr. F. Javier García López and Dr. F. Javier Ferrer Fernández
The goal of the work is to study the ion implantation of noble metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) in transparent metal oxides thin films (SiO2, TiO2), and the subsequent coalescence of nanoparticle after thermal annealing. Specifically, we would like to study the differences in the formation of nanoclusters in host with different morphologies. The Fellow will acquire expertise in the use of particle accelerators for materials science applications. He will interact with the Ion Beam Analysis group at CNA, IBA-CNA. The Fellow will learn about all the relevant aspects of experimentation in particle accelerators, through the use of the 3MV Tándem at CNA. He will become acquainted with the use of vacuum technology, detectors, electronics, signal processing and data analysis (specially RBS anlaysis). It is envisaged that the Fellow will also interact with the researchers that collaborate regularly with the IBA-CNA group.
Scientist in charge:
Images courtesy of US/CNA