¹⁵⁵Tb [t_1/2 = 5.32 d, E_γ = 87 keV (32%); 105 keV (25%) (IAEA, 2021)] is a novel promising radionuclide for theranostic applications in nuclear medicine. Its physical properties make it suitable for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, while its chemistry allows it to be used as a diagnostic partner for therapeutic radiolanthanides or pseudo-radiolanthanides, such as ¹⁷⁷Lu and ⁹⁰Y. Moreover, ¹⁵⁵Tb could be used as a precise diagnostic match for the β^--emitter ¹⁶¹Tb, opening doors for the true theranostics concept. The availability of ¹⁵⁵Tb in quantity and quality suitable for medical applications is an open issue and its production with medical cyclotrons via the ¹⁵⁵Gd(p,n)¹⁵⁵Tb and ¹⁵⁶Gd(p,2n)¹⁵⁵Tb nuclear reactions represents a possible but challenging solution. For this purpose, an accurate knowledge of the production cross sections is mandatory. In this paper, we report on the measurement of the production cross sections of ¹⁵⁵Tb and other terbium radionuclides formed by proton irradiation of ^natGd₂O₃, ¹⁵⁵Gd₂O₃ and ¹⁵⁶Gd₂O₃ enriched targets, performed at the Bern University Hospital cyclotron laboratory. On the basis of the obtained results, the production yield and purity were calculated to assess the optimal irradiation conditions. The results of several production tests are also presented.

Taking advantage of the heavy ion acceleration program, tests on radiation effects with Ultra High Energy (UHE) xenon ion beams (with Energy >5 GeV/nucleon) have been performed in several experimental areas of the CERN accelerator complex. Specifically, the outcomes of the first UHE heavy ion test campaign carried out at the CHARM facility are presented and discussed in this contribution. UHE ion beams have the advantage of not requiring a previous modification of the samples or testing in vacuum, owing to their large penetration range. The unic nature of the UHE ions motivated the study of their interaction with matter, with regard to the induction of SEE. To that end, great effort was paid on the calibration of the beam-line instrumentation, typically prepared for the traditional proton runs. Electronic components sensitive to Single Event Upset (SEU) and Single Event Latchup (SEL) were irradiated by an UHE xenon beam, with a particular interest in studying the sub-LET cross section region and benchmarking against the standard heavy ion test beams. Finally, the suitability of UHE ion testing for Radiation Hardness Assurance is also discussed in the contribution.

The development of instrumentation for operation in high-radiation environments represents a challenge in various research fields, particularly in particle physics experiments and space missions, and drives an ever-increasing demand for irradiation facilities dedicated to radiation hardness studies. Depending on the application, different needs arise in terms of particle type, energy and dose rate. In this article, we present a versatile installation based on a medical cyclotron located at the Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), which is used as a controlled 18-MeV proton source. This accelerator is used for daily production of medical radioisotopes, as well as for multidisciplinary research, thanks to a 6.5-meter long beam transfer line that terminates in an independent bunker, dedicated only to scientific activities. The facility offers a wide range of proton fluxes, due to an adjustable beam current from approximately 10 pA to the micro-ampere range, together with a series of steering and focusing magnets along the beamline that allow for the beam spot to be focused down to a few mm^2. The beamline can be instrumented with a variety of beam monitoring detectors, collimators, and beam current measurement devices to precisely control the irradiation conditions. The facility also hosts a well equipped laboratory dedicated to the characterisation of samples after irradiation. An experimental validation of the irradiation setup, with proton fluxes ranging from 5×10^9 cm^-2s^-1 to 4×10^11 cm^-2s^-1, is reported.

Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGADs), silicon sensors with intrinsic charge amplification, are being considered as a possible technology for tracking and timing in the HLLHC. In order to work in such an environment LGADs must be sufficiently radiation hard. The characterisation before and after irradiation of properties such as gain, charge collection, spatial homogeneity, space charge, and leakage current, is vital for assessing the performance and viability of LGADs. This work presents the results obtained from the study of LGADs irradiated with 24-GeV/c protons up to a maximum fluence of 1015 neq/cm2. The characterisation was performed mainly by means of the Transient Current Technique (TCT) with red and infrared laser pulses. It was found that the gain decreases with increasing fluence. At a fluence of 1015 neq/cm2 the charge collected is similar to that of a normal PiN diode. Whilst this might be explained by an effective acceptor removal, it was also found that there are clear signs of a double-junction in these devices, after irradiation. In addition, the spatial charge collection homogeneity before and after irradiation was evaluated.

PH-RADMON sensors are extensively used for radiation monitoring in the LHC experiments. Here, ReadMON, a dedicated and portable readout system for non-LHC applications, is presented. The system is able to source currents up to 32 mA and measure voltages up to 125 V, covering the full operational range of all dosimeters onboard the PH-RADMON sensor. Thus, the total measurement range of the system goes from 0.01 Gy to hundreds of kGy Total Ionizing Dose, and from few 1010 neq/cm2 to 1015 neq/cm2 1MeV neutron equivalent fluence. Different tests have been carried out at CERN IRRAD facility to prove the system concept and analyze its performance. Errors of only a few percent with respect to the readout done with a commercial Source Measuring Unit were found.

A two-dimensional beam monitoring detector named ${\pi }^2$ has been developed and tested at the Bern University Hospital, using an 18 MeV proton beam provided by a medical cyclotron. This non-destructive device utilises a scintillating compound (P47 phosphor) coated onto a thin aluminium foil that is angled at 45${}^{\circ }$ with respect to the beam axis. The scintillating light produced when the beam passes through the foil is captured by a CMOS camera, resulting in a two-dimensional image of the beam profile. Custom software is then used to analyse the image and extract valuable information about the beam’s position, shape, and intensity. The focus of the experimental work was on characterising the performance of the ${\pi }^2$ with the 18 MeV proton beam. The linearity of the detector’s output signal was evaluated for proton fluxes ranging from $2·{10}^{10}{\mathrm{cm}}^{-2}·{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ to $5·{10}^{11}{\mathrm{cm}}^{-2}·{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. Furthermore, the beam profiles measured with the ${\pi }^2$ were found to be consistent with reference measurements obtained using alternative beam monitors. Additionally, the experiments also involved studying the beam scattering caused by the foil and scintillating layer. Finally, in a long-term radiation test, the detector demonstrated a stable response up to an integrated proton flux of $3·{10}^{15}{\mathrm{cm}}^{-2}$. The ${\pi }^2$ is currently being used at the Bern cyclotron for monitoring beams in the development of new methods for medical radioisotope production and for radiation hardness studies. The ${\pi }^2$ has potential applications in several fields that involve the use of accelerated ions, such as cancer particle therapy, medical radioisotope production and radiation hardness studies.