Optimization of efficiency and response time of diffusion-based nuclear radiation detectors

The charge collection process in a diffusion-based silicon nuclear radiation detector was investigated by illuminating the detector at the backside with optical radiation. The results are compared to calculations and show good agreement. The collection mechanism is characterized, and the detector response to nuclear radiation and its optimum with respect to efficiency and response time are calculated. Efficiency and response time are improved by reducing the detector thickness. The lower limit of detector thickness is set by the noise level and varies for different measurement systems and applications. It is concluded that a diffusion-based nuclear radiation detector is not inherently slow and inefficient after its performance has been optimized by selecting the right detector thickness.<>