Piezoresistive micromechanical transducer operation in a pulsed neutron and gamma ray environment

S. S. McCready, T. H. Harlow, A. S. Heger, Keith Holbert

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

We completed the third in a series of experiments using commercially available, piezoresistive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducers to instrument articles exposed to the intense, pulsed neutron and gamma ray radiation environment of Sandia National Laboratories' Annular Core Research Reactor. Based on analyzing the survival of pressure transducers and accelerometers in the first two experiments, we identified candidate piezoresistive, MEMS transducers and then tested them by exposure to pulses, each with 1015 neutrons/cm2 and 104 Gy (1 Mrad) of gamma radiation. Simultaneous measurement of temperature indicates that the pressure transducers retain their calibrations and may provide a means of quickly identifying temperature-induced offset shifts of accelerometer calibrations. Comparison to other sensors that do not survive in this environment and implications for using these transducers to instrument test articles are also presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2002 IEEE Radiation Effects Data Workshop, Held in conjunction with the IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, NSREC 2002
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages181-186
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)0780375440
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
EventIEEE Radiation Effects Data Workshop, Held in conjunction with the IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, NSREC 2002 - Phoenix, United States
Duration: Jul 15 2002Jul 19 2002

Publication series

NameIEEE Radiation Effects Data Workshop
Volume2002-January

Other

OtherIEEE Radiation Effects Data Workshop, Held in conjunction with the IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, NSREC 2002
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period7/15/027/19/02

Keywords

  • Accelerometers
  • Calibration
  • Instruments
  • Microelectromechanical systems
  • Micromechanical devices
  • Neutrons
  • Piezoresistance
  • Temperature measurement
  • Testing
  • Transducers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Radiation
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Piezoresistive micromechanical transducer operation in a pulsed neutron and gamma ray environment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this