Radiation effects on computers-Reply

[Todd Jackson <TJJ@nrc.gov>]

  I have heard that excessive radioactive materials incorporated into the components of
integrated circuits can cause reliability problems (unacceptable failure rates) because of the
effect of ionization on the micro scale.  I have no first-hand knowledge of the problem, however.
   I am familiar with use of computers in radiation areas, such as ion chromatographs at power
plants.  It is rare in my experience that the computer fails, although when an integrated circuit
fails usually no one knows why or takes the time to troubleshoot the board, it is just replaced. 
These are also not critical safety applications, however.

Todd Jackson CHP
NRC Region I
tjj@nrc.gov

These are my opinions only, not NRC or US gov's.