arXiv subjects

Luca Lunati

Publications and source records attributed to Luca Lunati.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A First-Order Assessment of Permanent Magnet Deflection for Space Radiation Protection

We present a preliminary feasibility assessment of a magnetic shield designed to protect a space probe from cosmic radiation via magnetic deflection using neodymium permanent magnets. This work is grounded in theoretical considerations whose preliminary indications are intended to serve as the basis for future Monte Carlo simulations and laboratory validation. The novelty of our approach lies in the use of a magnetic shield; its competitiveness with conventional passive absorbing shielding is not investigated here but warrants dedicated future work. The primary objective is to protect a spacecraft from the flux of charged particles emitted by the Sun. To this end, we combine theoretical modeling and numerical simulations, followed by the construction of a prototype for laboratory testing and, potentially, for future experimental validation at the CubeSat scale.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Hybrid Active-Passive Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator: experimental implementation and microdosimetric characterization

Space radiation is one of the major obstacles to space exploration. If not mitigated, radiation can interact both with biological and electronic systems, inducing damage and posing significant risk to space missions. Countermeasures can only be studied effectively with ground-based accelerators that act as a proxy for space radiation. Following an in-silico design and optimization process we have developed a galactic cosmic ray (GCR) simulator using a hybrid active-passive methodology. In this approach, the primary beam energy is actively switched and the beam interacts with specifically designed passive modulators. In this paper, we present the implementation of such a GCR simulator and its experimental microdosimetric characterization. Measuring the GCR field is of paramount importance, both before providing it to the user as a validated radiation field and for achieving the best possible radiation description. The issue is addressed in this paper by using a tissue equivalent proportional counter to measure radiation quality and by comparing experimental measurements with Monte Carlo simulations. In conclusion, we will demonstrate the GCR simulator's capability to reproduce a GCR field.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2025

Hybrid Active-Passive Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulator: in-silico design and optimization

High-energy heavy-ion particle accelerators have long served as proxies for the harsh space radiation environment, enabling both fundamental life-science research and applied testing of flight hardware. Traditionally, monoenergetic high-energy heavy-ion beams have been employed for practicality, providing valuable datasets that underpin radiation risk and predictive computational models. However, such beams cannot fully reproduce the mixed-field nature of space radiation, motivating the development of realistic analogs for improved risk assessment and countermeasure evaluation in preparation for future deep-space missions to Moon or Mars. Spearheaded by developments at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, the GSI Helmholtzzentrum fuer Schwerionenforschung, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), has established advanced space radiation simulation capabilities in Europe. Here, we present the design, optimization, and in-silico benchmarking of GSI's hybrid active-passive Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) simulator, together with a computationally optimized phase-space particle source for Geant4, which is available to external users for their own simulation studies and experimental planning.

physics.space-ph↗