RADIATION HARDNESS OF INSULATING COMPONENTS FOR THE NEW HEAVY-ION ACCELERATOR FACILITY

The planned International Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) will consist of a superconducting double-ring synchrotron offering ion beams of intensity increased by a factor of 100-1000 compared to the existing GSI accelerators. Materials close to the beam tube will be exposed to secondary radiation of neutrons, protons, and heavier particles, limiting the lifetime and reliable function of various device components. The present study investigates the radiation hardness of insulating components with focus on polyimide as electrical insulation and thermal barrier. Dedicated irradiation experiments were performed with different projectiles. Degradation tests of irradiated materials include breakdown voltage and low temperature thermal conductivity measurements. Special attention is given to effects induced by heavy ions (e.g., Ta, Au), because they are known to create extensive damage at rather low doses.