A variational approach to evaluate interdiode capacitances in pixel detectors

A two-dimensional method, based on the variational approach to the solution of differential equations, has been developed to evaluate interdiode capacitances appearing among neighbouring junctions in pixel detectors. The results are in good agreement with experimental data, thus showing the reliability of the proposed technique to solve Laplace equation in properly chosen pixel detector models. The main feature of the proposed method is its well-established mathematical foundation. Moreover, it can be easily extended to different diode geometries, thus helping in detector design and characterization.