Silicon strip and pixel detectors for particle physics experiments

Publication date: Available online 25 September 2019Source: Physics ReportsAuthor(s): Sally SeidelAbstractFollowing a brief introduction to the roles that a tracking detector fulfills in a particle physics experiment, the concept of a silicon tracking detector is introduced. The contributors to position resolution of the detector are described along with some technological developments that have occurred in response to them. An overview of the historical evolution of the silicon detector concept follows, with emphasis on what was learned at significant junctures. A light reminder of foundational concepts related to semiconductors and p-n junctions is provided, in order to motivate various choices that have been made in the implementation of sensor geometries; advantages and disadvantages of some key implementations are mentioned. The characteristics of an operating detector are described, as are the typical experimental goals that influence decisions on detector optimization. Due to its pervasive effect on nearly all detector characteristics, the mechanisms and vocabulary of radiation damage are introduced. Features of the classic silicon detector design that have been developed to mitigate that damage are described, and the evolution of the design toward higher radiation tolerance is indicated. The concept of the module is introduced, for strip detectors and pixel detectors. Design considerations for detector cooling, interconnections, power distribution, and support are men...
Source: Physics Reports - Category: Physics Source Type: research