A time-of-flight detector based on silicon avalanche diodes

We have investigated reach-through silicon avalanche diodes (AVDs) as time of flight detectors for nuclear and particle physics experiments. The signal is initiated by a minimum ionizing charged particle passing directly through the AVD. We have studied the effect of pulse amplitude and noise characteristics on timing using β- particles. The time resolution of four AVDs has been measured with a range of standard deviations, σ = 65-87 ps. This time resolution is comparable to the best available with the conventional alternative, a plastic scintillator and photomultiplier tube. Further optimization of the AVD results appears possible. (orig.)