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Si(Li) detectors with thin dead layers for low energy x-ray detection

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5632920
Regions of incomplete charge collection, or dead layers'', are compared for Si(Li) detectors fabricated with Au and Pd entrance window electrodes. The dead layers were measured by characterizing the detector spectral response to x-ray energies above and below the Si K{alpha} absorption edge. It was found that Si(Li) detectors with Pd electrodes exhibit consistently thinner effective Si dead layers than those with Au electrodes. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the minimum thickness required for low resistivity Pd electrodes is thinner than that required for low resistivity Au electrodes, which further reduces the signal attenuation in Pd/Si(Li) detectors. A model, based on Pd compensation of oxygen vacancies in the SiO{sub 2} at the entrance window Si(Li) surface, is proposed to explain the observed differences in detector dead layer thickness. Electrode structures for optimum Si(Li) detector performance at low x-ray energies are discussed. 18 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
5632920
Report Number(s):
LBL-29061; CONF-9010220--29; ON: DE91011875
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English