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U.S. Department of Energy
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Tailoring of recovery charge in power diodes and thyristors by irradiation. [2 MeV electrons]

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6376401

The recovery charge of power diodes and thyristors is tailored and matched by irradiation through a major surface of the semiconductor body with a given radiation source, preferably of electron radiation, to a dosage corresponding to between about 1 x 10/sup 12/ and 8 x 10/sup 12/ electrons per centimeter square with 2 MeV electron radiation. The recovery charge of each device of a group of a type of diode or thyristor is first measured and the group divided into subgroups according to the measured recovery charge of each device. The devices of at least one subgroup is then irradiated by a radiation source to dosages corresponding to between about 1 x 10/sup 12/ and 8 x 10/sup 12/ electrons per centimeter square with 2 MeV electron radiation. The recovery charge of each irradiated device is again measured to determine the incremental change of recovery charge as a function of irradiation dosage. A recovery charge of another device of the type of diode or thyristor is then measured, and the device irradiated with a radiation source to a determined dosage corresponding to a desired incremental change in recovery charge to tailor the recovery charge of said device to a desired value.

Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 4075037
OSTI ID:
6376401
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English