Experimental Calibrations of a Silicon Rectifier Developed as a Fast Neutron Sub-Miniature Dosimeter

• Published in: IEEE transactions on nuclear science 1963-07, Vol.10 (3), p.63-69
• Main Authors: Swartz, John M., Browne, Louis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annealing; Calibration; Gamma rays; Neutrons; Process control; Rectifiers; Research and development; Silicon; Temperature sensors; Thyristors
• ISSN: 0018-9499; 1558-1578
• DOI: 10.1109/TNS.1963.4323288

We can readily., summarize the significant points that have been elicited from these experiments. 1. The response of this type of dosimeter is fundamentally reproducible. It is felt that increased uniformity can be achieved by further optimization and control of the processing techniques. 2. The dosimeter can be given the desired, almost linear, sensitivity in the biological dose range of interest by selection of an appropriate base width (somewhere between 40 and 60 mils). 3. The response of the dosimeter is independent of the delivery rate of the neutron flux, up to a rate of at least 107 rads per second. 4. The dosimeter essentially does not respond to gamma radiation in the energr and dose ranges of interest. 5. The response of the dosimeter is essentially independent of its orientation with respect to the direction of the incident neutron flux. U. The dosimeter is subject to a significant amount (from 10 to 20 per cent) of room temperature anneal during the first few days after initial exposure. 7. The sensitivity of an exposed dosimeter changes when the device is anmealed at elevated temperatures. 8. The response of the dosimeter appears to be dependent on the energies of the incident neutrons. Some of these points refer to desirable features of the fast neutron dosimeter. The und-ersirable features, we feel, can be remedied or accounted for through further research and development efforts.