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Title: AlGaAs/GaAs avalanche detector array -- 1 Gbit/s x-ray receiver for timing measurements

Journal Article · · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/23.507080· OSTI ID:277700

The authors report on the first realization of 2x2 detector arrays based on Aluminum Gallium Arsenide/Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs/GaAs) heterostructure avalanche photo diodes. These structures consists of a GaAs absorption layer and an AlGaAs/GaAs avalanche layer which acts as a multiplication region. The samples were grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) and processed into pin diodes of different diameters. Dark current densities were as low as 200 pA/mm{sup 2} at 90% of the breakdown voltage as determined by I-V measurements. The avalanche gain of the devices have been measured with optical pulses. Gains up to a factor of M = 1,000 have been determined before breakdown. Additionally the excess noise factor F(M) has been derived for gains between M = 1 and M = 300. The ionization rates ratio of the structure is k = {alpha}/{beta} = 3.4 {+-} 0.3. In connection to a fast electronic readout chain the time response of the detectors to 14.4 keV X-ray photons has been tested at the ESRF (Grenoble). The time resolution was found to be 200 ps (FWHM) using standard timing electronics.

OSTI ID:
277700
Report Number(s):
CONF-951073-; ISSN 0018-9499; TRN: 96:018138
Journal Information:
IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Vol. 43, Issue 3Pt2; Conference: IEEE nuclear science symposium and medical imaging conference, San Francisco, CA (United States), 21-28 Oct 1995; Other Information: PBD: Jun 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English