detectorarrays

Detector arrays are assemblies of many individual detector elements arranged in a two-dimensional grid to measure physical quantities with spatial resolution. Each element, or channel, yields a signal proportional to the incident energy, intensity, or particle interaction within its active area. When combined with readout electronics, the array produces a map or image of the detected field.

Arrays can be built from semiconductor sensors such as silicon, germanium, or cadmium zinc telluride; scintillators coupled to photodiodes or photomultiplier tubes; or gas-based detectors. The individual elements form pixels, strips, or cells, and signals are collected, amplified, digitized, and processed to reconstruct spatial or energy information. Readout architectures include direct-signal, multiplexed, and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) based systems. Cooling and shielding are often employed to reduce noise and radiation damage.

Applications span astronomy (focal plane arrays for telescopes), medicine (PET, SPECT, or CT detectors), high-energy physics (tracking and calorimetry in collider experiments), and security or industrial inspection (radiation imaging).

Design considerations include spatial resolution, detection efficiency, energy resolution, timing, noise, cross-talk, and uniformity across the array. Calibration, dead channels, and dead area are common concerns. Mechanical stability, electrical grounding, data throughput, and radiation hardness influence choice of materials and architecture.

Manufacture and integration typically involve wafer-scale fabrication of sensors, attachment to readout ASICs via flip-chip or bump bonding, and assembly into modules with cooling, power, and readout cabling. Thorough testing ensures uniform response and reliable operation in the intended environment.