Silicon detectors for gamma-ray and beta spectroscopy

Large active volume Si(Li) detectors were successfully developed for gamma-ray spectrometry at room temperature that show a sufficient efficiency and an energy resolution that is better than scintillation detectors. The higher efficiency of the proposed detectors with respect to normal silicon diodes is achieved by increasing the active volume. For this purpose special attention is given to the selection of the initial material which has to show homogeneous electrophysical parameters, low concentration of oxygen impurities and high structural perfection. The technique of using lithium ions is used as these drift into large depths and hence the profile of the impurity distribution is optimized.