07-1-1107-1-2011/2027

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
The launch of the NICA complex and the implementation of beamtime sessions on the main NICA facilities are expected in 2025. The ARIADNA infrastructure, including beamlines, areas for applied research and zones of user infrastructure, will allow for a number of relevant studies aimed at using accelerated ion beams in space research, life sciences and biomedical technologies, as well as in radiation materials science, radiation resistance of electronics, and modern nuclear physics technologies.

Expected results upon completion of the activity:
Obtaining new data on the interaction of heavy ion beams with various types of materials and biological objects in order to create advanced developments based on modern radiation technologies. Obtaining results on specific structural and functional modifications in the studied samples having different nature after exposure to ions with energies from 3.2 MeV/nucleon to 3.5-4.0 GeV/nucleon.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Conducting the planned beamtimes in 2025 will allow:
- simulate the impact of individual components of cosmic radiation with the use of beams of NICA facility and radiation facilities of collaborating organizations. Study the combined effects of radiation and other physical and biological factors in experiments on laboratory animals, tissues and cell cultures;

- obtain information on the relative biological effectiveness of heavy nuclei with energies of up to 4.5 GeV/nucleon. To assess the impact of high-energy charged particles on the physicochemical characteristics, redox properties and biological activity (in vitro and in vivo) of rare earth metal nanoparticles in various modifications;

- implement highly sensitive methods for detecting radiation-induced biological damage at the molecular and cellular levels based on the ARIADNA user infrastructure. Conduct a series of experiments to identify specific time profiles of proteins and protein complexes for the repair of double-strand breaks in nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) DNA associated with various types of cancer, and formulate approaches to developing a diagnostic method based on DNA repair markers;

- evaluate the radiation-protective properties of materials in radiation fields generated by the NICA complex for subsequent use as additional and local protection against ionizing cosmic radiation on board space complexes;

- perform the first stage of developing the method of high-temperature radiation modification of various types of polymer compounds using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as an example using high-energy ion beams. Study the mechanisms of radiation defect formation and release of volatile compounds – suboxides during irradiation of synthetic sapphire and corundum;

- obtain new information on the radiation stability of ultra-light highly porous materials based on aerogels and ferrites with different crystal structures in terms of the impact of accelerated ions in a wide energy range. Obtain model estimates for the effect of heavy-ion components of cosmic radiation on ultra-high-temperature ceramics HfB2(ZrB2)-SiC;

- obtain new data on the possibility of creating structural and morphological nanosingularities during irradiation of oxide model catalysts with heavy ions in order to tune the activity and selectivity of catalysis;

- perform R&D on the development of analytical devices used for collecting experimental data from biological objects and materials exposed to ionizing radiation.

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
A necessary pre-condition for conducting research using modern radiation technologies is the constant improvement of methodological approaches to conducting irradiation sessions and the development of appropriate sample environment systems. In particular, the development of irradiation stands and the development of the necessary equipment in accordance with the tasks of the proposed experiments is of great importance. Carrying out research within the framework of the ARIADNA collaboration, which implies a multi-user mode of operation, requires the creation of sites for the deployment of users' own equipment in order to carry out the process of sample preparation and analytical studies in a short time after irradiation.

Expected results upon completion of the activity:
Creation and development of sample preparation and analytical research areas within the framework of the ARIADNA scientific work program. Manufacture and commissioning of stands and test chambers for studying the combined effect of accelerated ions and other physical factors on material samples and biological objects.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Implementing of the second stage of equipping the stand for long-term irradiation in the BM@N facility area. Completing the first stage of work on developing the stands and testing the chambers for studying the combined effect of accelerated ions and other physical factors on material samples and biological objects. Studying the effect of ionizing radiation on the main parameters of the resistive-emission layer of the MCP in experiments on heavy ions. Developing a methodology for assessing the integral indicators of the beam intensity and profile for various types of samples studied in the ARIADNA experiments. Developing and testing a detector system for applied research in the BM@N facility area. Developing and testing detectors based on fluorescent screens for applied research.

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
Activation of irradiated materials and structural elements of heavy ion accelerators is an important aspect of conducting experiments on irradiation of various types of targets. The spectrum analysis complex of VBLHEP Division No 5 allows for a wide range of gamma spectra measurements, including in flow mode. Gamma spectra analysis using the available spectrum analysis complex will be used as a routine technique in most ARIADNA applied research experiments involving irradiation of samples with accelerated ion beams.

Expected results upon completion of the activity:
Updating the set of detectors of the spectrum analysis complex, the corresponding software and the necessary equipment for carrying out measurements using different types of samples. Creating a database of gamma spectra for all ARIADNA experiments.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Updating the detector software; updating the power supplies, backup power supplies and the detector central control system. Conducting routine changes to the gamma spectra for applied research at the NICA complex in the 2025 beamtime sessions.

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
Software development and dosimetric calculations are an integral part of the preparation of experiments under the ARIADNA scientific program at the NICA complex, as well as an important element of the analysis of dose loads in sessions on irradiation of targets of various types. The use of modern program codes for the interaction of accelerated ions with matter allows planning irradiation sessions using various materials in order to select optimal irradiation parameters and subsequent reconstruction of energy release events in the target material. The data obtained during dosimetric calculations are important input parameters for further studies in terms of structural and functional changes in irradiated samples. An important paretic aspect of this activity is obtaining modeling of radiation conditions in various parts of the NICA complex using the developed modeling approaches and program codes.

Expected results upon completion of the activity:
Obtaining dosimetric data on irradiation of various types of samples with accelerated ion beams in a wide energy range, including composite materials, as well as other objects with a complex structure and elemental composition. Obtaining estimates of radiation fields for various sections of the NICA complex; calculating the necessary elements of biological protection.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Obtaining estimates of dose loads for samples of composite materials, biological objects and electronic elements when irradiated with heavy ion beams with energies in the range from 3.2 MeV/nucleon to 4 GeV/nucleon. Calculation of radiation fields in the areas of applied research facilities taking into account the placement of additional user equipment. Modeling the interaction of accelerated ion beams with materials in sessions planned for 2025 at the NICA complex.

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
The aim of the research is to develop methods for increasing the critical current of second-generation HTSC tapes using radiation modification technologies. In recent years, results have been obtained at VBLHEP indicating an increase in the critical current of second-generation HTSC tapes after irradiation with accelerated ions and protons. The discovered effects require further study from the standpoint of creating prototypes of equipment based on radiation-modified HTSC tapes and testing their application in various scientific and practical tasks, including accelerator technology.

Expected results upon completion of the activity:
Obtaining information on the patterns of change in the critical current of second-generation HTSC tapes by radiation modification and mechanical deformation. Obtaining results on the stability of the effect of radiation-induced increase in the critical current of HTSC tapes over time under the influence of various physical factors. Second-generation HTSC tapes. Determining the possibilities of practical application of radiation-modified second-generation HTSC tapes.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Study of radiation-stimulated change of critical current of HTSC composites under special conditions of radiation exposure (presence of background magnetic field and low temperature). Study of properties of irradiated second-generation HTSC tapes during subsequent operation in ionizing radiation fields. Obtaining data on structural modifications of HTSC tapes after radiation exposure and mechanical treatment. Calculation of defect formation in HTSC tapes under the influence of charged particles; optimization of radiation defects as magnetic flux pinning centers; calculation of radiation and thermal conditions for a station for rewinding HTSC tapes through a beam of charged particles to create pinning centers.

2024-2026

Brief annotation and scientific rationale:
Applied research at the NICA complex is carried out in the form of the ARIADNA collaboration, which includes more than 20 organizations from the JINR member countries. The multi-user mode of operation at the NICA complex applied research facilities implies the presence of a coordinated user program that unites the efforts of the ARIADNA collaboration member organizations in obtaining advanced scientific and scientific-practical results. The main task in this area is to coordinate the user program, as well as to create conditions for the coordinated work of user groups during sessions at the NICA complex.

Expected results upon completion of the activity:
Development of a user program for applied research at the NICA complex, ensuring coordinated work of scientific groups from various organizations.

Expected results of the activity this year:
Launch of the ARIADNA web portal, including a system for electronic submission of applications for experiments using the NICA complex applied research infrastructure. Testing the multi-user mode of operation on elements of the ARIADNA infrastructure. Maintenance of programs to support the work of scientific collaborations on the NICA complex. Development of scientific programs for organizations joining the ARIADNA collaboration. Ensuring the representation of the ARIADNA collaboration at scientific and scientific-organizational events related to applied research and innovation.