The DCF boasts unique features that are unrivalled in the UK and among the best world-wide. These include:
2 particle accelerators
a gamma irradiator with 8 tonnes of lead shielding
a suite of extensive laboratories
The particle accelerators allow a single sample to be subjected to 2 forms of radiation at once. This is being developed into the world’s highest-energy dual-beam particle accelerator system. The self-shielded gamma irradiator can supply a dose rate equivalent to spent fuel, while a suite of extensive analytical laboratories complete the bespoke setup. These enable replication, in laboratory- controlled conditions, of the damage caused to materials by ionising radiation. This means an understanding of how damage occurs can be developed and future behaviour can be predicted.