Pulsed-laser testing methodology for single event transients in linear devices

A methodology for testing linear devices for single event transients that uses a pulsed laser to supplement a heavy-ion accelerator is proposed. The method is based on an analysis of plots of transient amplitudes versus width over a range of laser pulse input energies and heavy-ion LETs. Additional data illustrating the method are presented that include the dependence of SETs on circuit configuration in a comparator (LM111) and operational amplifier (LM124). If judiciously used, the methodology has the advantage that the amount of heavy-ion accelerator testing can be reduced.