Progress and Perspective of Radiation Effect Research in China Institute of Atomic Energy

To address the demands for radiation effects research in various fields including aerospace, nuclear industry, healthcare, and agriculture, China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) has established a series of facilities for radiation effects studies, based on the large-scale scientific infrastructures including the HI-13 Tandem Accelerator, 100 MeV proton cyclotron, and variable-energy multi-particle cyclotron. These facilities were dedicated to simulating and investigating radiation effects on electronic devices, irradiation effects on nuclear materials, and biological radiation effects. In the field of radiation effects on electronic devices, CIAE has developed heavy ion, proton, and neutron irradiation facilities for device evaluation tests, as well as a heavy ion microbeam system to investigate the microscopic mechanisms of single event effects (SEEs). Significant research achievements have been made in areas such as the microscopic mechanisms of heavy ion SEEs, temperature-dependent SEEs, and proton SEE cross section prediction models. These works have provided critical support for the successful implementation of multiple series of China’s space missions, making substantial contributions to the development of the nation’s space industry. In the field of irradiation effects on nuclear materials, CIAE has developed several triple-beam (simultaneous heavy ions, hydrogen and helium) irradiation facilities, and developed a suite of post-irradiation examination methodologies. Extensive ion irradiation experiments and testing have been conducted on pressurized water reactor components and cladding materials, fast reactor fuel assembly materials and fuels, and fusion reactor first-wall and blanket structural materials. These efforts have supported the screening of radiation-resistant nuclear materials and the study of irradiation effect mechanisms in advanced nuclear materials. In the field of biological radiation effects, CIAE has developed a low-energy proton/heavy-ion irradiation facility and a medium-energy proton facility. Studies span hazard assessment, protection strategies, and application-oriented technologies for radiation biological effects across multiple scenarios, yielding important results in areas such as radiation biological effect mechanisms, risk assessment, radiotherapy, and radiation breeding. These achievements in the three research fields provide critical support for major national strategies in aerospace technology, nuclear safety, public health, and high-level agricultural development. Currently, China is advancing major projects such as deep-space exploration, crewed lunar missions, commercial spaceflight, integrated fast reactors, high-flux reactors, and fusion engineering test reactors, while steadily implementing the Healthy China Initiative and food security strategies. To meet new-era high-quality development requirements, CIAE will strategize the construction of next-generation large-scale accelerators. Building upon the existing radiation research capabilities, CIAE aims to develop advanced radiation effects simulation technologies, deepen fundamental research on radiation effect mechanisms, create innovative testing and evaluation methodologies for emerging needs, and establish efficient and intelligent experimental platforms with integrated sample testing functions, and promote nationwide adoption of these technologies.