PERFORMANCE OF SOLID STATE MATERIALS AND DEVICES SUBJECT TO A NUCLEAR RADIATION FLUX
Solid-state materials and components have been evaluated with respect to changes in their electrical characteristics brought about by a nuclear radiation flux. The effects of nuclear radiation are strongest when the physical properties of the solid depend upon large scale order in the crystalline lattice or when the type, quantity, and arrangement of impurities within the solid are of prime importance. Calculations indicate that the radiation flux to be expected from a reactor used for powering a large missile or airplane would be on the order of and probably less than 10/sup 11/ neutrons/cm/sup 2/. Most solid-state devices and materials perform satisfactorily at this dosage. In general, metals, dielectrics, piezoelectrics, and ferroelectrics show only small radiation damage for dosages below 10/sup 16/ neutrons/cm/sup 2/. Semiconductors, however, are affected strongly by neutron- and gamma -flux fields. Silicon withstands radiation up to 10/sup 16/ neutrons/ cm/sup 2/; germanium shows no radiation damage to 10/sup 12/ tion sensitivity intermediate between germanium and silicon. Tests on solid-stute components verify the measurements made on constituent materials. Little effect is noted upon capacitors, resistors, inductors, and vacuum tubes for flux values below 10/sup 16/ neutrons/cm/sup 2/. In cases of semiconductor diodes and transistors, additional effects such as photo EMFs, photoconductivity, and noise must be considered. Some of these are transient and last only for the duration of the irradiation. Permanent radiation damage occurs at approximately the same dosage level as that indicated above for semiconductor material. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Naval Ordnance Lab., Corona, Calif.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-12-012010
- OSTI ID:
- 4330119
- Report Number(s):
- NOLC-374; NAVORD-4621; AD-1434
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-58
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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