Continuous Electrode with Segmented Contacts for Radiation Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional segmented electrode semiconductor radiation detectors suffer from non-uniform electric fields, leading to premature breakdown, signal dispersion, and potential electrical connections between adjacent electrodes due to radiation damage, increasing device complexity and reducing reliability.

Innovation Solution

Employing a continuous electrode with segmented contacts for position-sensitive radiation detection, which provides uniform electric fields and simplifies charge collection, reducing fabrication precision and enhancing dynamic range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If segmented electrodes are used to provide position resolution, then position sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases and electric field uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition resolutionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple segments along one dimension (e.g., x-direction) while remaining continuous in the perpendicular dimension (y-direction). This partial segmentation provides position resolution in the segmented direction while maintaining field uniformity in the continuous direction, reducing overall device complexity compared to full 2D segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Position resolution is achieved by segmenting electrodes in one dimension while maintaining continuity in the orthogonal dimension. This dimensional approach allows position sensitivity without requiring full two-dimensional segmentation, thereby reducing device complexity and fabrication difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If segmented electrodes are used to provide position resolution, then position sensitivity is improved, but electric field uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition resolutionVSAvoidelectric field uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple segments along one dimension (e.g., x-direction) while remaining continuous in the perpendicular dimension (y-direction). This partial segmentation provides position resolution in the segmented direction while maintaining field uniformity in the continuous direction, reducing overall device complexity compared to full 2D segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Position resolution is achieved by segmenting electrodes in one dimension while maintaining continuity in the orthogonal dimension. This dimensional approach allows position sensitivity without requiring full two-dimensional segmentation, thereby reducing device complexity and fabrication difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If segmented electrodes are used, then position resolution is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to radiation damage connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition resolutionVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple segments along one dimension (e.g., x-direction) while remaining continuous in the perpendicular dimension (y-direction). This partial segmentation provides position resolution in the segmented direction while maintaining field uniformity in the continuous direction, reducing overall device complexity compared to full 2D segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Position resolution is achieved by segmenting electrodes in one dimension while maintaining continuity in the orthogonal dimension. This dimensional approach allows position sensitivity without requiring full two-dimensional segmentation, thereby reducing device complexity and fabrication difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in uniform charge collection, improved spatial resolution, reduced radiation damage susceptibility, and cost-effective production with a wider operating voltage range, while maintaining detector performance.

Implementation Method 1

Electrical contact to the top electrodes can be made via aluminum contacts through insulator. Such contact is via AC coupling between the contacts and the corresponding electrode segments.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the resulting electric field is very uniform, as shown in the modeling results. This electric field uniformity alleviates the above-described disadvantages of the conventional segmented electrode approach.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS9613993B2Segmented AC-coupled readout from continuous collection electrodes in semiconductor sensors

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

Position sensitive radiation detection is provided using a continuous electrode in a semiconductor radiation detector, as opposed to the conventional use of a segmented electrode. Time constants relating to AC coupling between the continuous electrode and segmented contacts to the electrode are selected to provide position resolution from the resulting configurations. The resulting detectors advantageously have a more uniform electric field than conventional detectors having segmented electrodes, and are expected to have much lower cost of production and of integration with readout electronics.