Vertex detectors and the linear collider

We review the physics requirements for the ILC vertex detectors, which lead to the specification of silicon pixel sensors arranged as nested barrels, possibly augmented by endcap detectors for enhanced coverage of small polar angles. We describe how the detector requirements are a natural outgrowth of 25 years development of CCD-based vertex detectors in fixed-target and colliding beam experiments, culminating in the 307 Mpixel SLD vertex detector. We discuss how the technology has recently branched out into about a dozen architectures which might be made to work at the ILC, where the main challenge is to increase the effective readout rate by about a factor 1000 compared to conventional CCDs, while preserving the small pixels (∼20 μm) and low-power dissipation. Preserving gaseous cooling as at SLD opens the door to layer thicknesses as low as 0.1% X0. Finally, we consider how best to manage electromagnetic interference associated with the beam wakefields and other RF sources during the bunch train. In conclusion, we suggest a strategy for moving on from the present rich R&D programmes to optimal detectors for the startup of the ILC physics programme.