1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers the selection and use of neutron-activation detector materials to be employed in neutron spectra adjustment techniques used for radiation-hardness testing of electronic semiconductor devices. Sensors are described that have been used at many radiation hardness-testing facilities, and comments are offered in table footnotes concerning the appropriateness of each reaction as judged by its cross-section accuracy, ease of use as a sensor, and by past successful application. This guide also discusses the fluence-uniformity, neutron self-shielding, and fluence-depression corrections that need to be considered in choosing the sensor thickness, the sensor covers, and the sensor locations. These considerations are relevant for the determination of neutron spectra from assemblies such as TRIGA- and Godiva-type reactors and from Californium irradiators. This guide may also be applicable to other broad energy distribution sources up to 20 MeV.

Note 1For definitions on terminology used in this guide, see Terminology E 170.

1.2 This guide also covers the measurement of the gamma-ray or beta-ray emission rates from the activation foils and other sensors as well as the calculation of the absolute specific activities of these foils. The principal measurement technique is high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. The activities are used in the determination of the energy-fluence spectrum of the neutron source. See Guide E 721.

1.3 Details of measurement and analysis are covered as follows:

1.3.1 Corrections involved in measuring the sensor activities include those for finite sensor size and thickness in the calibration of the gamma-ray detector, for pulse-height analyzer deadtime and pulse-pileup losses, and for background radioactivity.

1.3.2 The primary method for detector calibration that uses secondary standard gamma-ray emitting sources is considered in this guide and in General Methods E 181. In addition, an alternative method in which the sensors are activated in the known spectrum of a benchmark neutron field is discussed in Guide E 1018.

1.3.3 A data analysis method is presented which accounts for the following: detector efficiency; background subtraction; irradiation, waiting, and counting times; fission yields and gamma-ray branching ratios; and self-absorption of gamma rays and neutrons in the sensors.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry

E181 Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides

E261 Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques

E262 Test Method for Determining Thermal Neutron Reaction Rates and Thermal Neutron Fluence Rates by Radioactivation Techniques

E263 Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Iron

E264 Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Nickel

E265 Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32

E266 Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Aluminum

E393 Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters

E496 Test Method for Measuring Neutron Fluence and Average Energy from 3H(d,n) 4He Neutron Generators by Radioactivation Techniques

E704 Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Uranium-238

E705 Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Neptunium-237

E721 Guide for Determining Neutron Energy Spectra from Neutron Sensors for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics

E844 Guide for Sensor Set Design and Irradiation for Reactor Surveillance, E 706 (IIC)

E944 Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjustment Methods in Reactor Surveillance, E 706 (IIA)

E1018 Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross Section Data File, Matrix E706 (IIB)

E1297 Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Niobium

Keywords

activation foils; neutron activation; neutron spectra; radiation-hardness testing; Threshold detectors; Gamma radiation--electronic components/devices; Electrical conductors (semiconductors); Electronic hardness; Neutron activation foils; Neutron radiation--nuclear materials/applications; Neutron sensors; Radiation-hardness testing;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 83.140.10 (Films and sheets)

DOI: 10.1520/E0720-04

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