Spectrometric pathway with semiconductor radiation detectors

Some types of semiconductor detectors and their properties are described. The mechanism is discussed of the formation of electric charge as a result of the interaction of ionizing radiation with the detector matter. Preamplifiers are used for amplifying the electric charge, featuring the following types of couplings: ac, dc, resistance, optoelectronic, drain feedback. Electric pulses are then further processed by a shaping amplifier and by filters improving the signal-to-noise ratio and thus the resolution of the whole detection system. (J.B.)