Can any thin materials protect a Mars spacecraft from gamma rays?

In summary, astronauts on a long trip to Mars will need protection against gamma rays in space, but shorter trips have not caused significant harm. A possible solution is using Atomic Number (Z)-Grade Radiation Shields from Fiber Metal Laminates, but it may be impractical to cover the spacecraft with a thick lead shield. The importance of gamma ray protection and potential solutions are still being explored.
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TL;DR Summary
Seeking a thin and effective material to protect a Mars spacecraft and its occupants from destructive effects of gamma rays.
Astronauts heading towards Mars (and hopefully return) will need protection against the harmful effects of gamma rays in space for this long trip. Apparently, much shorter trips have not caused enough bodily harm to be of much concern. However, a 6-month or longer trip might be a real problem. I haven't found any articles yet that discuss this problem in depth.

It's impractical to cover such a craft with a 1 foot (or more) thick lead shied, but perhaps a material exists, or can be constructed, to solve this problem --- something like "Atomic Number (Z)-Grade Radiation Shields from Fiber Metal Laminates" described at https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-201 .

Any suggestions or recommendations?
 
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Why do you think its gamma ray protection that is important (or important at all)?
The reason why you have not found any information about it is perhaps a hint...
 
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