ASTM E721-94 - 10.8.2001
 
1. Scope

1.1 This guide covers procedures for determining the energy-differential fluence spectra of neutrons used in radiation-hardness testing of electronic semiconductor devices. The types of neutron sources specifically covered by this guide are fission or degraded energy fission sources used in either a steady-state or pulse mode.

1.2 This guide provides guidance and criteria that can be applied during the process of choosing the spectrum adjustment methodology that is best suited to the available data and relevant for the environment being investigated.

1.3 This guide is to be used in conjunction with Guide E 720 to characterize neutron spectra.

Note 1—Although Guide E 720 only discusses activation foil sensors, any energy-dependent neutron-responding sensor for which a response function is known may be used (1).

Note 2—For terminology used in this guide, see Terminology E 170.

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

E263-18

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

E265-15(2020)

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

E393-19

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

E523-21e1

Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper (Includes all amendments and changes 5/3/2021).

E704-19

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

E720-23

Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Neutron Sensors for Determining Neutron Spectra Employed in Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics

E722-19

Standard Practice for Characterizing Neutron Fluence Spectra in Terms of an Equivalent Monoenergetic Neutron Fluence for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics

E844-18

Standard Guide for Sensor Set Design and Irradiation for Reactor Surveillance

E944-19

Standard Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjustment Methods in Reactor Surveillance

E1018-20e1

Standard Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross Section Data File (Includes all amendments and changes 7/2/2020).

E1297-18

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

E1855-20

Standard Test Method for Use of 2N2222A Silicon Bipolar Transistors as Neutron Spectrum Sensors and Displacement Damage Monitors

E262-17

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

E266-23

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

E264-19

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

E526-22

Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates By Radioactivation of Titanium

E705-18

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

E170-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry

E261-16(2021)

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