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A radiation detector fabricated from silicon photodiode
Radioisotopes
|December 1, 1984
Summary
This study details the conversion of a silicon photodiode into a sensitive detector for low-energy charged particle radiation. The new detector demonstrates excellent energy resolution for alpha particles and conversion electrons.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Instrumentation
Background:
- Silicon photodiodes are common semiconductor devices.
- Detectors for low-energy charged particles are crucial in various scientific fields.
- Existing detectors may have limitations in sensitivity or energy resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To convert a standard silicon photodiode into a functional low-energy charged particle radiation detector.
- To characterize the performance of the fabricated detector, focusing on energy resolution.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a silicon photodiode detector with a specific window thickness.
- Measurement of the depletion region's area and depth.
- Evaluation of energy resolution using alpha particles from Americium-241 and conversion electrons from Cadmium-109.
Main Results:
- The fabricated detector has a window thickness of 50 µg/cm².
- The depletion region has an area of 13.2 mm² and a depth of approximately 100 µm.
- Achieved energy resolution (FWHM) of 14.5 keV for alpha particles and 2.5 keV for conversion electrons.
Conclusions:
- A silicon photodiode can be effectively repurposed as a low-energy charged particle radiation detector.
- The detector exhibits good energy resolution, suitable for specific radiation detection applications.
- Further research could explore optimizing fabrication for enhanced performance.