Diagnostic x-ray spectra measurements using a silicon surface barrier detector

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Spectroscopy
• Detector Technology

Background:

• Silicon surface barrier detectors are typically used for charged particle detection.
• Their low X-ray efficiency presents challenges but can mitigate high fluence rates in diagnostic X-ray beams.
• Pulse height distributions from silicon detectors deviate from true photon spectra due to escaped Compton photons and energy-dependent efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze diagnostic X-ray spectra using silicon surface barrier detectors.
• To develop and validate a method for correcting spurious effects in X-ray detection with silicon detectors.
• To compare the performance of silicon detectors with germanium detectors for X-ray spectrometry.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a silicon surface barrier detector for X-ray spectral analysis.
• Applied a Monte Carlo method to analyze and correct for spurious detection effects.
• Developed a spectral stripping procedure suitable for personal computer implementation.
• Validated the method by comparing results with experimental data from a germanium detector.

Main Results:

• The silicon detector's low efficiency is advantageous for high-fluence diagnostic X-ray beams.
• A Monte Carlo-based stripping procedure effectively corrects for spectral distortions.
• Spectra obtained with the silicon detector showed good agreement with those measured by a germanium detector.
• The developed method is valid for accurate X-ray spectral analysis.

Conclusions:

• Silicon surface barrier detectors are viable for diagnostic X-ray spectroscopy.
• The Monte Carlo stripping procedure enhances the accuracy of silicon detector spectral analysis.
• Silicon detectors offer advantages in cost, ease of use, and PC-based analysis for routine X-ray spectroscopy compared to germanium detectors.