In the development of advanced nuclear reactors, research on the irradiation performance of structural materials is a critical step in overcoming technical bottlenecks. The degradation of material properties caused by transmutation products such as hydrogen and helium, along with the interference of carbide formation under high-temperature irradiation conditions on experimental accuracy, have long been core challenges for researchers. To simulate the real‑world operating environment of nuclear reactors and conduct precise irradiation experiments on nuclear materials, Peking University has established a three-beam irradiation facility dedicated to advanced nuclear materials research; this system is based on… 1.7 MV Centered around a linear accelerator, the system integrates multiple critical components to form a controllable irradiation research platform. As a core component supplier for this cutting-edge research apparatus, Zhongguang leveraged its technological expertise in cryogenic temperature control and impurity suppression to custom‑integrate a low‑temperature cold trap into the irradiation chamber. This solution effectively addressed the challenge of carbide formation under high‑temperature irradiation conditions, providing essential support for stable operation and reliable experimental data, thereby helping China take a solid step forward in advanced nuclear materials research.

Journal Name: 《 Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms 》

Article Title: 《 Triple-beam irradiation facility for advanced nuclear materials research at Peking University 》

Client Organization: Peking University

Application product: Low-temperature cold trap

Figure 1 : Paper Abstract

Figure 2 : Screenshot of the paper (Chongguang brand name)

Peking University Three-Beam Irradiation Facility

In fact, within the intricate chain of nuclear-material irradiation research, in addition to the liquid-nitrogen cold trap’s role in maintaining the experimental environment… “ To provide protection and ensure safety ” Moreover, the stable load-bearing capacity and precise temperature control of the sample under extreme irradiation conditions are equally critical factors determining the success or failure of the experiment. —— And this is precisely where the Chongguang high‑ and low‑temperature sample holder excels. As a critical ancillary component for electron‑beam and ion‑beam experiments, this sample holder was designed from the outset to meet the stringent requirements of advanced nuclear materials research. In particular, it has undergone comprehensive performance optimization and custom design to accommodate the integrated operation of large‑scale facilities such as Peking University’s three‑beam irradiation setup. ​

Unlike conventional sample holders that merely meet basic load‑bearing requirements, the high‑ and low‑temperature sample holder, with its precision‑engineered design, can be seamlessly integrated into Peking University’s three‑beam irradiation facility and similar large‑scale irradiation systems. It requires no complex modifications to the host equipment, enabling rapid installation and commissioning while significantly reducing both the time required for system integration and the operational barriers. More importantly, its outstanding stability under load effectively mitigates risks such as sample displacement and vibration during experiments, ensuring that electron and ion beams can precisely target designated regions of the sample. By minimizing experimental errors arising from sample instability at the source, this capability provides a critical guarantee of data reliability—particularly in nuclear materials research, where long‑term monitoring of irradiation‑induced material degradation is essential. ​

When it comes to the most critical temperature-control requirements in nuclear-materials research, this sample holder demonstrates truly “irreplaceable” robust performance. It is equipped with a self-developed, high-precision temperature-control system that not only covers… -190 °C to 500 An ultra-wide temperature control range of ℃—capable of both simulating the service environment of materials under low-temperature reactor conditions and precisely reproducing high-temperature irradiation scenarios, perfectly meeting the full‑temperature‑range requirements for testing material performance under the influence of hydrogen and helium transmutation products; moreover, it can achieve ± 0.01 With ultra‑high temperature control accuracy down to 0.1°C, the system ensures that sample temperatures remain consistently within the target range even during prolonged irradiation experiments, thereby completely addressing the longstanding issue of “inaccurate temperature control leading to fluctuations in experimental data” associated with conventional sample holders. For example, at Peking University’s three‑beam irradiation facility, hydrogen… -  In helium‑assisted irradiation experiments, it is essential to maintain the sample temperature at a precisely controlled set point to eliminate thermal effects and enable accurate observation of vacancy nucleation mechanisms. The high‑precision temperature control offered by the ZEISS heavy‑light cryogenic sample holder provides a stable thermal environment, helping research teams efficiently acquire reliable data. ​

Moreover, to meet the diverse experimental requirements in nuclear materials research, this sample holder boasts exceptional “customizable adaptability.” Researchers can flexibly adjust its size and positioning according to specific needs such as sample dimensions and experimental conditions, while an optimized sealing structure further enhances airtightness. In certain irradiation experiments involving nuclear materials that require inert-gas protection, the refined sealing design effectively prevents ambient air from entering the experimental chamber, thereby averting oxidation of the samples and ensuring the stability of the gas environment throughout the irradiation process. This provides a flexible solution for studies under specialized experimental conditions—aligning closely with the core design principle of Peking University’s three-beam irradiation facility, which emphasizes “controllable irradiation conditions”—and making Zhongguang’s products a reliable partner for research teams conducting complex experiments. ”。​

From custom‑designing liquid‑nitrogen cold traps for Peking University’s three‑beam irradiation facility to addressing challenges in sample mounting and temperature control with high‑ and low‑temperature sample holders, Zhongguang has consistently placed “solving critical research pain points and empowering nuclear materials research” at the heart of its mission, actively participating in the pivotal stages of China’s advanced nuclear reactor R&D. Looking ahead, we will remain guided by scientific needs, continuously iterating our technologies and refining our products to deliver higher‑quality component solutions to an expanding array of universities, research institutions, and enterprises, thereby supporting China’s scientific innovation and technological breakthroughs in the field of advanced nuclear energy.