Fatima Issa

Fatima Issa joined ESS in August 2015 as a postdoc in neutron detection in the detector group at the European Spallation Source. Currently she is the contact person for beam monitors at ESS. Before joining ESS, Fatima was situated in France where she obtained a PhD in in Micro and Nano-electronic with the thesis entitled “Realization of neutron detectors based on silicon carbide”. Her work focused on realization of silicon carbide neutron detectors based on ion implantation of Boron. Fatima was involved in the framework of the European project I_SMART where the final aim was to develop an innovative complete radiation detection system based on silicon carbide technology in view to detect neutrons in harsh environments.

- I have been involved in BrightnESS from the start of this project. My daily work consists of contacting suppliers, purchasing beam monitors and performing irradiation tests. As we still have no neutrons at ESS I have to visit different irradiation facilities in order to study the performance of several beam monitors and to evaluate them.

As those detectors have to be used by the ESS instruments, I have to continuously collaborate with the instruments team in order to match the instruments requirement with what is available in the market. Given the fact that there is very limited information in literature about beam monitors, I have to contact various facilities to learn from their experience and understand their achievements regarding this point. As ESS will be the world’s leading neutron source this requires investigating new concepts of monitoring the beam.

My work at ESS is full of challenges and it is fascinating to see how this gigantic project develops from being on paper to reality. I like the multi-disciplinary aspects of the project and the freedom for creativity and problem solving.

The main challenge is the limited time and to meet deadlines. There are too many ideas and concepts that you would like to try and implement if you have the unlimited time. However, we have to prioritize and stick to our schedule.

BrightnESS is contributing in many ways to the neutron research in the development of new detectors technology, which are essential to match the expected performance of the ESS instruments.