Piidiilmaisimet

Piidiilmaisimet, also known as silicon detectors or silicon diode detectors, are solid-state electronic devices used to detect ionizing radiation. They are a type of semiconductor detector that functions similarly to a p-n junction diode. When ionizing radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or X-rays, strikes the silicon material, it generates electron-hole pairs.

The detector is typically operated in reverse bias. This creates a depletion region within the silicon, which is an area devoid of free charge carriers. When radiation creates electron-hole pairs within or near this depletion region, the electric field sweeps these charge carriers towards the electrodes. This movement of charge creates a measurable electrical pulse. The amplitude of this pulse is proportional to the energy deposited by the incident radiation.

Piidiilmaisimet are widely used in various scientific and industrial applications. In high-energy physics, they are employed in particle accelerators to track and measure the trajectories and energies of subatomic particles. In medical imaging, they can be used in systems like digital radiography and computed tomography scanners for detecting X-rays. They also find applications in security screening for detecting radioactive materials and in environmental monitoring. Their advantages include good energy resolution, high detection efficiency for many types of radiation, and the ability to operate at room temperature. However, they can be sensitive to temperature variations and radiation damage over time.