Radiation effects research in the 60´s

This talk provides a review of some of the significant issues and advances in nuclear radiation effects that took place in the 1960´s. The subjects include neutron induced displacement damage in semiconductors and ionization effects in semiconductor and dielectric materials and piece-parts. The relationship between the basic mechanisms and the radiation response of components in the areas of TREE, SGEMP, and thermomechanical effects will be described to show how the necessity for understanding and modeling was driven by the requirements for radiation hardened electronic systems. The accomplishments will be described within the context of a changing atmosphere of; international politics; the demise of atmospheric testing and the birth and evolution of the underground nuclear effects test; the evolution of above ground laboratory test facilities and; the eccentricities and passions of some of the people in the business.<>