Vertex detector sensors for the International Linear Collider

The silicon sensors proposed for the vertex detector at the International Linear Collider (ILC) represent a significant evolution over existing sensors. Driven by the physics requirements of the ILC, they push the limits of the technology in mass, number of readout channels, segmentation, and power consumption. Although the technological challenges are substantial, so too will be the benefits to the physics capabilities. In the following discussion, the expected technical requirements of the sensors are outlined. Also discussed are the details of what makes these sensors different from existing devices, and the increased physics capabilities that result.