Feasibility of a Neutron Detector-dosemeter based on Single-event Upsets in Dynamic Random-access Memories

The feasibility was investigated of a solid-state neutron detector/dosemeter based on single-event upset (SEU) effects in dynamic random-access memories (DRAMs), commonly used in computer memories. Such a device, which uses a neutron converter material to produce a charged particle capable of causin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Radiation protection dosimetry 2002-01, Vol.101 (1-4), p.129-132, Article 129
Main Authors: W. Phillips, G., A. August, R., B. Campbell, A., E. Nelson, M., A. Guardala, N., L. Price, J., Moscovitch, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Computer Storage Devices
Feasibility Studies
Medical sciences
Neutrons
Radiometry - instrumentation
Radiometry - methods
Sensitivity and Specificity
Space life sciences
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Summary:The feasibility was investigated of a solid-state neutron detector/dosemeter based on single-event upset (SEU) effects in dynamic random-access memories (DRAMs), commonly used in computer memories. Such a device, which uses a neutron converter material to produce a charged particle capable of causing an upset, would be light-weight, low-power, and could be read simply by polling the memory for bit flips. It would have significant advantages over standard solid-state neutron dosemeters which require off-line processing for track etching and analysis. Previous efforts at developing an SEU neutron detector/dosemeter have suffered from poor response, which can be greatly enhanced by selecting a modern high-density DRAM chip for SEU sensitivity and by using a thin 10B film as a converter. Past attempts to use 10B were not successful because the average alpha particle energy was insufficient to penetrate to the sensitive region of the memory. This can be overcome by removing the surface passivation layer before depositing the 10B film or by implanting 10B directly into the chip. Previous experimental data show a 103 increase in neutron sensitivity by chips containing borosilicate glass, which could be used in an SEU detector. The results are presented of simulations showing that the absolute efficiency of an SEU neutron dosemeter can be increased by at least a factor of 1000 over earlier designs.
ISSN:0144-8420
1742-3406
DOI:10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a005952