Investigation of Nuclear Radiation Effects on Infrared Detectors.
Abstract
The effects of reactor neutron irradiation on the response characteristics of gallium-doped silicon infrared detectors were determined. Three neutron irradiations were conducted at 4.3 K at fluences of approximately 10 to the 10th power, 10 to the 12th power and 10 to the 14th power n/sq cm (E> 10 Kev). Measurements were made at 4.3 K of detector response to a simulated blackbody IR source and changes in the signal response are presented as a function of neutron fluence. Photographs of the ionizing voltage pulses occurring in the detectors are presented and the decay of the voltage waveforms has been characterized. The changes in the time constants which define the voltage decay are presented as a function of neutron fluence. Changes in the response characteristics are compared to preirradiation baseline measurements using a Co-60 gamma source. Results of an annealing experiment performed after the second neutron irradiation showed a significant degradation of response characteristics after the response was significantly increased by the first and second neutron irradiations. Catastrophic degradation occurred after the third irradiations approx. 10 to the 14th power n/sq cm). Data are also with increasing neutron fluence at 4.3K. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0912688
Entities
People
- Martin Warren