Pulsed-Laser Testing for Single-Event Effects Investigations

The application of pulsed lasers to the study of Single-Event Effects (SEEs) in integrated circuits and devices is described. The role of a pulsed laser is to provide spatial and temporal information about SEEs, information that is not available when broad-beam ion sources are used. A detailed description is given of the mechanisms involved, including light propagation and absorption by both linear and non-linear processes. Numerous examples highlight the versatility and usefulness of the technique in the study of SEEs.