Miniature Hybrid Preamplifier for CdTe Detectors

Aeronutronic Ford has developed a rugged, miniature, room temperature operable, gamma ray detector package containing a CdTe photon detector, a charge amplifier and a pulse shaper circuit. Photon detection efficiencies between 10% and 40% are achieved for various photon energies between 100 KEV and 1000 KEV in a detector area of .032 square inches. The resuling package weights ~8 grams and occupies ~0.1 cubic inch. Prototypes have been tested for aging and temperature effects on gamma detection efficiency. The intended application of the device is calibrated gamma ray counting in a warm environment while subjected to high intensity acoustic and vibration stresses as well as very large linear accelerations.