Fundamentals of Semiconductor Detectors for Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe modes of operation of semiconductor detectors are reviewed, together with the influence of charge carrier collection in developing a signal pulse for spectroscopic applications. Because of the importance of charge trapping in many semiconductors of interest in the fabrication of room temperature radiation detectors, the effects of incomplete charge collection are quantified. Calculated results are presented for the expected pulse height and energy resolution under a variety of charge collection conditions.