Small anode germanium (SAGe) well radiation detector system and method

摘要

A small anode germanium well (SAGe well) radiation detector system/method providing for low capacitance, short signal leads, small area bottom-oriented signal contacts, enhanced performance independent of well diameter, and ability to determine radiation directionality is disclosed. The system incorporates a P-type bulk germanium volume (PGEV) having an internal well cavity void (IWCV). The external PGEV and IWCV surfaces incorporate an N+ electrode except for the PGEV external base region (EBR) in which a P+ contact electrode is fabricated within an isolation region. The PGEV structure is further encapsulated to permit operation at cryogenic temperatures. Electrical connection to the SAGe well is accomplished by bonding or mechanical contacting to the P+ contact electrode and the N+ electrode. The EBR of the PGEV may incorporate an integrated preamplifier inside the vacuum housing to minimize the noise and gain change due to ambient temperature variation.

主权项

1. A small anode germanium (SAGe well) radiation detector system comprising:
(a) P-type bulk germanium volume (PGEV); (b) N+ electrode; (c) P+ electrode; and (d) vacuum encapsulating chamber enclosure (VECE); wherein: said PGEV further comprises an internal surface and an external surface; said external surface comprises an outer surface, an external base region (EBR), and a cavity entry region (CER); said PGEV further comprises an internal well cavity void (IWCV), the surface of said IWCV forming said internal surface; said P+ electrode is formed on said EBR and surrounded by an isolation region; said P+ electrode forms a small anode connection to said PGEV, said small anode connection having a surface area less than a surface area of said internal surface; said N+ electrode is formed on said internal surface, said outer surface, said CER, and said EBR outside of said isolation region; said VECE encloses said PGEV and conforms to the surface profile of said IWCV; and said P+ electrode comprises an annular ring centered on said EBR and surrounding an isolated cathode contact in the center of said EBR.