Characterization and qualification of a neutron irradiation environment for neutron hardness assurance testing of electronic devices

Diagnostic experiments have been performed to characterize and validate a neutron irradiation environment for use as a calibrated neutron source for neutron hardness assurance testing. Facility qualification for a TRIGA nuclear reactor was achieved by comparing the neutron-induced displacement damage in divided-lots of Si-based electronic components irradiated to the same 1-MeV equivalent fluence at the candidate environment and at a qualified fast burst reactor facility.