silicon detector

A silicon detector is a type of solid-state detector that uses semiconductor materials, primarily silicon, to detect ionizing radiation. When radiation passes through the silicon, it creates electron-hole pairs. An electric field within the detector causes these charge carriers to move, generating a measurable current pulse.123

These detectors offer excellent energy resolution, meaning they can precisely measure the energy of the detected radiation. Silicon detectors are commonly used for detecting heavy charged particles and can be fabricated in thin layers, allowing for the full absorption of particle energy. While some silicon detectors can operate at room temperature, others, particularly thicker ones, benefit from cooling to minimize thermal noise and improve performance.132