THE EFFECT OF NUCLEAR RADIATION ON ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

The status of knowledge of the effects of nuclear radiation on basic electronic parts from 1957 to 1959 and attempts to relate the observed degradation of the electrical characteristics of each device to the materials used in the construction of the device are presented. The statements made are not intended to be design oriented but rather to survey the relative radiation sensitivlty of electronic components and to provide a basis for judging the merits of any technical approach for applying electronic circuitry in a radiation environment. (auth)