Technology Transfer Services

Proton and Neutron Irradiation Facility (PIF & NIF) Services

TRIUMF offers radiation testing of electronics for space, avionics, and other applications using our proton and neutron irradiation facilities.

In space, proton energies ranging from 20 to 500 MeV can damage the functioning of electronic devices. TRIUMF’s cyclotron produces proton beams of the same energy range as those encountered in space. Our test facilities can simulate the radiation effects of a 10-year space mission in a matter of minutes.

A neutron beam is also available with an energy spectrum matched to the atmospheric neutron spectrum and can be used for testing avionics and ground-based electronic systems.

TRIUMF offers the following PIF and NIF services:
  • Consultation on radiation effects testing
  • Delivery of calibrated proton and neutron beams
  • Assistance in carrying out radiation qualification measurements
Our customers include:
  • MD Robotics
  • Dynacon
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • Sandia National Laboratories
  • Boeing
  • NASA (GSFC and JPL)
  • CEA
  • QinetiQ
  • Argus Tech
 Preparing for proton irradiation

Groups interested in scheduling beam time for this facility should contact E.W. Blackmore, the PIF/NIF Coordinator. For more information please visit the PIF & NIF website.

 

Other Services

TRIUMF offers a variety of services to assist both public and private organizations.

Examples of services provided include:
  • Vacuum leak testing for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;
  • Rubidium infusion machine for the Ottawa Heart Institute;
  • Radiofrequency expertise to a private start-up company;
  • Supplying Nitrogen-13 to the University of British Columbia’s Botany Department;
  • Power engineering expertise to a consortium of Canadian companies, which enabled them to supply components to the Large Hadron Collider Project at CERN (The European Centre for Nuclear Research) and to subsequently secure significant contracts from other institutions around the world.

TRIUMF services are offered subject to the availability of staff and equipment. Please contact Philip Gardner 604-222-7436 to discuss your particular needs.