Evaluating radiation induced noise effects on pixelated sensors for the National Ignition Facility

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) utilizes several different pixelated sensor technologies for various measurement systems that include alignment cameras, laser energy sensors, and high-speed framing cameras. These systems remain in the facility where they are exposed to 14MeV neutrons during a NIF shot. The image quality of the sensors degrades as a function of radiation-induced damage. This article reports on a figure-of-merit technique that aids in the tracking of the performance of pixelated sensors when exposed to neutron radiation from NIF. The sensor dark current growth can be displayed over time in a 2D visual representation for tracking radiation induced damage. Predictions of increased noise as a function of neutron fluence for future NIF shots allow simulation of reduced performance for each of the individual camera applications. This predicted longevity allows for proper management of the camera systems.