Abstract

SEELAS - Comparison of Laser and Heavy Ion Radiation Testing

Christoph Tscherne¹, Patrick Schmidt², Michael Hofbauer³, Christian Laa², Andreas Dielacher², Michael Wind¹, Thomas Panhofer¹, Heinz Fragner², Horst Zimmermann¹, Peter Beck¹

¹ Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Austria
² RUAG Space GmbH, Austria
³ Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Electrodynamics, Microwave and Circuit Engineering, Austria

 

Abstract

Single event effects (SEE) are a major threat to space missions since individual charged particles of the space radiation environment, such as protons or heavy ions, can irretrievably damage electronic devices. The introduction of modern technologies in space demands for new and innovative testing services, especially since many new players operating small satellites fear the high costs and efforts that accompany heavy ion testing. Although some US and European laboratories and industry look towards laser testing as an economic alternative, the current standards only accept heavy ion testing. SEELAS (Exploration of Single Event Effect Radiation Testing of COTS Components with Laser and Heavy Ions), a nationally funded and ESA supported activity investigates the applicability of laser testing as a modern approach to radiation hardness assurance by carrying out both, laser testing and traditional heavy ion testing for the same commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. A thorough analysis of the results using statistical methods, TCAD and Monte Carlo simulations allows for an objective evaluation of the method and positive results may support the industry’s push to alter existing standards to allow laser testing.

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the support by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) under the FFG project No. 873705.