Radiation Effects in Gaas Junction Field-Effect Transistors

Abstract

GaAs field-effect transistors for linear and digital circuits are finding applications in systems that have to function in a nuclear environment. This paper reviews and analyzes the radiation damage mechanisms in GaAs material and applies the material parameter changes to predict changes of electrical parameters of junction field-effect transistors due to exposure to fast neutrons and total dose ionizing radiation. The transient response to pulsed ionizing radiation is analyzed and experimental results are correlated with theoretical predictions. Annealing characteristics of radiation-generated defects are described. The prospects for hardening GaAs fieldeffect transistor integrated circuits against the effects of nuclear radiation are assessed.