SCK/spl middot/CEN gamma irradiation facilities for radiation tolerance assessment

Predicting the response of components or systems exposed to ionising radiation is often very difficult. Reliable radiation tolerance estimates therefore typically rely on extended radiation experiments. SCK/spl middot/CEN, the Belgian Nuclear Research Center, is operating different gamma irradiation facilities, with wide gamma dose rates ranging from 0.1 Gy/h up to 50 kGy/h and with environmental control and on-line instrumentation capabilities. These facilities allow to assess the radiation tolerance of components or systems, intended for applications in harsh environments ranging from space missions to fusion reactor diagnostics.