Gamma-ray spectrometry using silicon based scintillation probes

Silicon based photodiodes, manufactured by using the ultimate capabilities of both planar technology and high purity silicon have opened the possibility to prepare scintillation probes without photomultiplier tubes, operating with a few volts. This paper investigates the capabilities of such probes, consisting of 1 cm2 photodiodes coupled to larger CsI(Tl) scintillators, in gamma-ray spectrometry. For a 38 mm in diameter and 40 mm height cylindric scintillator, resolutions up to 5.5% at 60Co have been achieved.