Pad-, Microstrip- and Pixel-detectors

Pad, microstrip, and pixel detectors are used for the detection of ionising particles and light. SINTEF has worked with this type of detectors since 1973. We offer electrical simulation services, device design, process development, feasibility studies, and custom-tailored process runs of small and medium-scale production series.

The active area of the detector can be one single pad, or be divided into lines or pixels – forming pad, microstrip, and pixel detectors. Pad detectors are typically used for energy spectroscopy, where the magnitude of the signal is a function of the energy of the detected radiation. Microstrip detectors are used if spatial resolution in one direction is needed. For spatial resolution in two directions, a double sided microstrip detector or a pixel detector can be used. Common applications are particle tracking, position measurements, x-ray imaging, light measurements, scintillator read-out, fluorescence measurements, particle spectroscopy and Laue diffraction measurements. More information about how the detectors work

SINTEF’s experience includes design and fabrication of guard structures for achieving long-term stability, low leakage current, prevention of avalanche breakdown, and radiation hardness. Such guards are especially important in radiation prone environments. We produce detectors with thickness ranging from 135 µm to 2 mm. By using a special etching technique, SINTEF is able to fabricate detectors where the thickness of the active area is as thin as 10 µm. We offer choices of different options for interstrip isolation and strip biasing, and detectors with double metal layers can be obtained by using a polyimide layer as dielectric. SINTEF has also investigated processes for obtaining thin dead layers, and options for passivation of the silicon surface.

Technology used/available at SINTEF