Development of a large-area silicon α-particle detector

Area of Science:

• Semiconductor detector technology
• Nuclear instrumentation

Background:

• Development of radiation detectors is crucial for particle physics and nuclear applications.
• Existing detectors may face challenges with surface contamination and long-term stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel circular ion-implanted silicon detector for alpha-particle detection.
• To assess the detector's cleanability and durability under chemical exposure.
• To evaluate the detector's spectroscopic performance and uniformity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a circular ion-implanted silicon detector with a 5 cm(2) sensitive area.
• Chemical cleaning protocols were applied to test surface durability.
• Spectroscopic measurements using 5.486-MeV alpha-particles were conducted.
• Charge collection efficiency and uniformity were tested using a 5.5-MeV He(2+) microbeam.

Main Results:

• The detector exhibits a large, 5 cm(2) sensitive area.
• The detector surface is easily cleanable with chemicals without performance degradation.
• Excellent energy resolution of (1.0±0.1)% was achieved for 5.486-MeV alpha-particles.
• Tests confirmed good charge collection efficiency and uniformity across the detector entrance window.

Conclusions:

• A robust and cleanable circular silicon detector for alpha-particle detection has been successfully developed.
• The detector's hardened surface ensures sustained spectroscopic and electrical characteristics after repeated cleaning.
• This detector offers a promising solution for applications requiring reliable alpha-particle detection with easy maintenance.