Decontamination and dismantling (D&D) worksites, and more generally nuclear facilities, involve the use of electronic equipment (sensors, mobile vectors, robots, remotely operated arms, etc.) in harsh environments. Radiation is one of the main factors affecting the reliability of electronic components and systems. In this context, the evaluation of electronic components and systems makes it possible to identify which technologies are most tolerant to irradiating environments, and also to determine which sub-functions are the most sensitive.
To address this challenge, it is necessary to develop electronic qualification methodologies for the nuclear field, based on experience from the space field but taking into account certain specific features: the environment can be much more extreme, the use of commercial components is widespread, and a system-level approach must be considered (as it is not possible to develop everything from the component upwards). System-level testing and the use of COTS components in irradiating environments are emerging issues of interest to many stakeholders.
The thesis work will therefore begin with the study of specifically developed systems. We will then have a complete understanding of the system and, above all, of the elementary components that make it up. We'll be able to characterize each elementary component and the complete system under a single beam. The degradation synergy between the system and the elementary component will be studied to evaluate degradation rules, before moving on to the implementation of methodologies that can then be evaluated on commercial 'black box' systems. The aim is to verify that the conclusions reached in the first stage are still valid, and to determine the observables needed to identify a failure. Innovative AI-based data analysis methods can also be implemented, depending on the type and quantity of data collected. Given the expected numbers of systems to be tested, it is also essential to complement this work with a rationalization of irradiation resources. To this end, tests will be carried out, notably on the filtering of X-ray photons in the photoelectric range to keep only the Compton range and thus have an equivalence to Cobalt60. Finally, a methodology will have to be implemented. This methodology will have to take into account system procurement, definition of observables, definition of irradiation and characterization conditions, as well as analysis of the elementary and functional failures observed.
Part of the thesis work will also involve defining the structure of a 'radiation' database for listing radiation tests carried out on electronic components and systems.

System-level testing and the use of commercial components (COTS) in irradiating environments are topical issues. At the end of the thesis, the student will be able to apply these skills to a wide range of applications in the nuclear field (A&D sites, reactors), as well as to large particle physics instruments and the space sector.

Candidate profile : Master's degree in electronics or engineering degree in electronics.