Radiation Performance Improvements for EFIs

Tanner proposes to utilize our baseline EFI design as the preliminary input to a radiation effects model. The key layers of interest will be modeled for radiation absorption across the environments of interest. These models will provide estimates of energy absorption for each set of conditions, by which electron generation, secondary emission, total temperature rise, and possible physical damage can be gauged. Using the results of these models, design variations of the most impacted layers can be developed, and material layer modification (e.g., thickness, material selection, protective coatings, etc.) or replacement can be evaluated. In Phase II, Tanner will explore, fabricate and test designs to address key environmental impacts of both the natural space environment and man-made hostile conditions. Explored radiation type and intensities include prompt high dose rate range of 1E11 to 1E13 rad(Si)/s, Total Ionizing Dose (TID) range of 1E5 to 5E5 rad(Si), Neutron Displacement Damage (NDD) maximum of 5E12 to 1E14 n/cm2, and X ray fluence range of 0.1 to 10 cal/cm2.