250 μm Thick Detectors for Neutron Detection: Design, Electrical Characteristics, and Detector Performances

• Published in: Key engineering materials 2024-08, Vol.984, p.35-40
• Main Authors: La Via, Francesco, Trotta, Antonio, Parisi, Miriam, Meda, Laura, Trovato, Gabriele, Meli, Alessandro, Reitano, Riccardo, Muoio, Annamaria, Tardocchi, Marco, Calcagno, Lucia, Kushoro, Matteo Hakeem, Rebai, Marica
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795; 1662-9795
• DOI: 10.4028/p-4pTPcD

Solid State Detectors (SSD) are crucial for fast neutron detection and spectroscopy in tokamaks due to their solid structure, neutron-gamma discrimination, and magnetic field resistance. They provide high energy resolutions without external conversion stages, enabling compact array installations in the harsh environment of a tokamak. Research comparing diamond and 4H-SiC detectors highlights thickness as a key efficiency factor. A 250 μm SiC epilayer with low doping, grown using a high-growth-rate process, exhibits sharp interfaces and minimal defects, essential for neutron detectors. The study evaluates detector designs, and performance using a 4H-SiC substrate. Various detector designs, such as Schottky diodes and p/n diodes, are assessed via I-V and C-V measurements, addressing high depletion voltage challenges. Preliminary neutron irradiation tests validate detector functionality, energy resolution and confirming detector reliability.