Microdosimetric Aspects of Proton-Induced Nuclear Reactions in Thin Layers of Silicon

A computer simulation model which calculates the energy deposited within a small sensitive volume embedded in a larger volume as a result of nuclear interactions anywhere in the larger volume is outlined. The model is tested by comparison with the pulse-height spectra measured in silicon surface barrier detectors as a result of exposure to protons at different energies. The model is then used to provide physical insight into the role played by the nuclear recoil in localized energy deposition about a nuclear interaction.