Miniature space dosimeter based on semiconductor oxides, Phase I

Space Micro and Clemson University have teamed for a miniature, ultra low power, space radiation dosimeter. We project this unit, "MicroRad", to be 50X smaller than the existing solution. Our ability to capitalize on COTS semiconductor devices and processes enable extremely accurate measurements at low cost. Space Micro Inc. adds their space rad hard computing to provide data logging and reporting of radiation levels. Our innovation is to utilize a normally negative response of modern microelectronics to space radiation to enable measurement of impinging particles. It is our understanding of the radiation effects physics, combined with space electronics computing and hardware which will make this R&D successful. In Phase we demonstrate technical feasibility with a lab breadboard dosimeter and device level radiation test results. We also evaluate advanced microelectronics packaging techniques (3-D stacking) to even further miniaturize in Phase II. At the end of Phase II we have developed and tested flight model dosimeter including ground-based radiation qualification. Use of space radiation dosimeters has been severely limited due to the size, power, cost of limited custom products; it is our mission to provide a commercially viable standard dosimeter for widespread application to new NASA long duration exploration and science missions. More »