A Critique of the Funnel Concept Discussed in the Literature on Single-Event Effects
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Abstract
The funnel concept was inspired by TCAD simulation plots of equipotential surfaces in a reverse-biased diode struck by an ionizing particle, together with the failure to recognize that the electric field is weakest, not strongest, at locations within the diode where the plotted surfaces are furthest apart. Weak-field regions are confused with strong-field regions, and there is no recognition of depletion region collapse. A more realistic charge-collection model is discussed.
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