A new dimension to semiconductor detectors in high-energy physics and medical imaging

The search for new semiconductor detectors has led to interesting developments in recent years. As well as progress in the use of new materials, novel geometries have been tried. One idea being investigated is that of a “3D” detector. This has an array of electrodes that penetrate the detector bulk thus allowing these electrodes to be positioned closer to the interaction point than the comparable distance in a standard planar geometry. Methods of fabricating such a device have been investigated and subsequent devices characterised and compared with 3D simulations made using ISE-TCAD.