EFFECTS OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON ELECTRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF POWER DIODES

In this work we presented the preliminary results o f a systematic study of direct voltage and cut-off frequency variations of power diodes under different gamma ir radiation doses. The samples were irradiated at a g amma facility, 60 Co-Gammacell 220 (dose rate of 2.31 kGy/h), in the Radiation Technology Center (CTR) at IPEN- CNEN/SP. The temperature during exposure was typically 25 ºC. The values of direct voltage and the tem poral response of the devices were studied for an accumul ated dose of 1350 kGy. The results have shown an improvement of the reverse recovery behavior of thi s type of diode, as well as a 10% decrease in its d irect voltage.