Formation of a quasi-neutral region in Schottky diodes based on semi-insulating GaAs and the influence of the compensation mechanism on the particle detector performance

A model for the electric field distribution beneath the Schottky contact in semi-insulating (SI) GaAs particle detectors is developed. The model is based on a field-enhanced electron capture of the EL2-defect. The influence of the compensation mechanism in SI-GaAs on the field distribution, leakage current density and charge collection properties of the detectors will be discussed. The detailed understanding allows then a device optimization.