The four Irradiation Chambers of ELDERS Facility.
The Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS) facility is located directly opposite the Gamma Cave facility on the experimental level of the University of Massachusetts Lowell Research Reactor (UMLRR) containment building. The facility consists of four independent irradiation chambers. It was designed for the long-term sample irradiation at dose rates of 36 rad / hour (0.36 Gray / hour). The irradiation chambers have integrated spectral shielding to meet military standard 883E. Samples with a cross- sectional area as large as 34 centimeters (cm) (13.5 inch) x 34 cm (13.5 inch) can be irradiated in each chamber. The gamma flux in each chamber is nearly uniform over a 30 cm (12 inch) x 30 cm (12 inch) area facing the source. Penetrations for test cables and a large area for test equipment are available.
Dose Rate:
- 100 rad/hour (1 Gray/hour) to 10 rad/hour (0.1 Gray/hour)
- 36 rad/hour (0.36 Gray/hour): typical 10 millirad/second (0.1 milliGray/second)
Sample Size:
- Up to 13.5-inch x 13.5-inch
Uses:
- Electronic component evaluation
- Hardness testing and characterization of electronics, optical components, mirrors, lenses, and windows for space applications.