Special aspects of radiation hardness assessment of space micro- and nano-electronics

The paper discusses an alternative to the conventional dosage-based approach to the evaluation of radiation hardness of electronic hardware for spacecraft, which is based on using energy release density spectra as the criterial parameter. The paper presents physical underpinnings of the feasibility of radiation tests for electronic equipment using compact isotopic sources. The new approach is not just a method of testing electronic equipment for radiation hardness, it also enables establishing an integral system for radiation hazard monitoring, studying radiation hardness of electronic components and optimizing the geometry of newly-designed electronic hardware, which draws upon lab-based and field experiments and detailed Monte Carlo simulations. The use of such system will make it possible to significantly improve radiation hazard predictions through the use of more adequate physical models of radiation effects and data from real-time in situ radiation monitoring, while providing hardware designers and users with an opportunity to take part in the tests or even conduct them by themselves. The adoption of the proposed system will permit to significantly expand the list of electronic components allowed for use in space hardware.