Proximity Electrode Signal Readout of High-Purity Ge Detectors

Proximity electrode signal readout of semiconductor- based radiation detectors is accomplished by measuring the charge induced on electrodes positioned close, but not electrically connected, to the detector material. This technology can be applied to high-purity Ge (HPGe) to create a position sensitive gamma-ray detector. The proximity readout technique offers the advantages of simplified detector fabrication, expanded electrode geometry options, and greatly improved position resolution through simple signal interpolation. We have produced small, HPGe prototype detectors that utilize strip proximity electrodes for gamma-ray interaction energy and position measurement. With these detectors we have collected event data sets under a variety of detector and source conditions. With this data we have explored energy and position reconstruction methods and have demonstrated sub-strip-pitch position determination. In this paper, we summarize the results of our investigation.