K.P. Lambert

A comparison of the radiation damage of electronic components irradiated in different radiation fields

Abstract Resistors, capacitors, silicon diodes and transistors, TTL integrated circuits, and operational amplifiers have been irradiated in three different radiation environments: in a research reactor with up to 1015 n/cm2 (E>1 MeV), near a proton beam of the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings with up to 5 × 105 Rad, and with a 30 kCi 60Co gamma source with up to 1 × 107 Rad. Representative parameters, such as resistance, capacitance, forward voltage, reverse current, toggle frequencies, have been measured before and after irradiation. It was found that, in comparison with nuclear-reactor irradiations, the effect of 60Co gamma rays can be smaller by a factor of 100 or more, whereas high-dose-rate accelerator irradiation can be up to 5 times more damaging for the same nominal amount of irradiation. It is concluded that care has to be exercised when interpreting the results of radiation damage tests on electronic components in different radiation environments.

High radiation dose luminescent and optical dosimetry systems

Abstract An investigation of the characteristics of radiophotoluminescent, thermoluminescent and optical absorption dosimeters has indicated that they are suitable for use as radiation damage dosimeters in high energy particle accelerators. An introduction is given to their respective modes of operation and to their integration into a practical dosimetry system.

A method for measuring the rms noise of a composite amplifier-discriminator system

Abstract A method of measuring the rms noise of a composite head amplifier-discriminator system for use with proportional counters is described which utilises the integral bias curve of the amplifier.

A calorimetric radiation dosimeter for an accelerator environment

Abstract The main concepts of absorbed radiation dose calorimetry are discussed followed by the description of a calorimeter capable of measuring absorbed doses from 2.0 × 102 to 2.0 × 105 Rad in an accelerator radiation environment.