Solid State Detectors for High Radiation Environments

Abstract

The solid state particle detectors emerged in 1950. Initially Si and Ge detectors operated as junction diodes were used for charged particle detection and ? spectroscopy measurements. Although these detectors are superior to gaseous detectors in many respects, being a crystalline medium meant that they are susceptible to radiation damage. Unlike in gaseous detectors where the detection media can be exchanged the semiconductor crystals have to retain their detection properties over the entire envisaged period of operation. The particle detection capabilities and the energy resolution degrade gradually with irradiation, which limits their lifetime.