IV.20 - PIN silicon X-ray diodes?

PIN Silicon X-ray diodes are detectors sensitive to X-rays, gamma-radiation and charged particles (alpha- and beta-particles). X-ray diodes operate by absorbing photons or charged particles. X-ray diodes have many similarities to photodiodes, but they are optimized for X-rays and have a suppressed sensitivity to light. X-ray diodes can be used with wide range of energies (from a couple of keV's to approximately hundred keV's).

X-ray diodes and photodiodes can be operated in current or charge (pulse) modes. In current mode the output current is measured directly from the detector. Current mode is used typically when event rates are very high. In current mode applications the output current is proportional to the intensity of the incident radiation with high accuracy. In pulse mode the single hits are transformed into pulses and then recorded.

X-ray diodes and photodiodes have also two different modes of operation depending on the bias voltage supplied to the detector. In photoconductive mode the diode is operated with high bias voltage. This mode is used for example in X-ray exposure and dose control applications. In photovoltaic mode no bias voltage is supplied to the detector. This mode is used in most applications including spectral measurement.

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