Room-temperature semiconductors and scintillators for planetary instruments

Room temperature semiconductors introduce some exciting potential for use in instruments designed for planetary measurements. It is important, however, to consider carefully the different types of measurement environments. In some cases room temperature semiconductors provide significant advantages over scintillators, while in some cases scintillators still have advantages over room temperature semiconductors. A number of instrumentation applications for detecting X-rays and gamma rays are considered. By focusing on the physical properties of both types of detectors, it is possible to better understand how each type of detector can best be used for measurements from satellites and directly on planetary bodies.