Djordje Lazarevic

Effects of Ion Beam Irradiation on Nanoscale Cooper-Pair Insulators

This paper examines the effects of irradiating indium oxide films of nanoscale thickness by ion beams, when these films are in the Cooper-pair insulator state. Radiation effects are predicted on the basis of Monte Carlo simulations of ion transport. Results of numerical experiments are interpreted within the theoretical model of a Cooper-pair insulator. The study suggests that radiation-induced changes in films exposed to ion beams could significantly alter their current-voltage characteristics and that a transition to a metallic state is possible, due to radiation-induced perturbation of the fine-tuned granular structure. Furthermore, incident and displaced ions can break up enough Cooper pairs in films to cause dissolution of this specific insulating state.

Simulation of Proton Beam Effects in Thin Insulating Films

Effects of exposing several insulators, commonly used for various purposes in integrated circuits, to beams of protons have been investigated. Materials considered include silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, aluminium nitride, alumina, and polycarbonate (Lexan). The passage of proton beams through ultrathin layers of these materials has been modeled by Monte Carlo simulations of particle transport. Parameters that have been varied in simulations include proton energy and insulating layer thickness. Materials are compared according to both ionizing and nonionizing effects produced by the passage of protons.

A radiological incident with a radioactive lightning rod source found in a vehicle used by film crewmembers: a case study

An overview of radiological incident involving radiation source from a lightning rod (152Eu/154Eu), together with dose estimation for individuals exposed to ionising radiation is given in the paper. The cause of the incident was an orphaned source from a lightning rod. The dose received by individuals was assessed using a retrospective dosimetry technique, based on the information on behaviour of individuals and results of dose rate measurements in the vicinity of the source. Several people have been exposed to relatively high dose rates for an extended period of time. The conservatively estimated cumulative dose values for two categories of individuals were 50 and 40 mSv, respectively, which are significantly higher than annual dose limit for public exposure of 1 mSv. The need to identify radioactive sources incorporated in radioactive lightning rods, to maintain control and accountability and to remove and dispose of them properly along with appropriate record keeping in Serbia was highlighted. These activities would reduce the probability of occurrence of radiation incidents in Serbia.