Detector applications

Semiconductor detectors are characterized by relatively low cost, excellent energy resolution, and simultaneous broad energy-spectrum analysis. Their use in a variety of charged-particle spectroscopic analysis applications is described. A few applications that illustrate the present and future potential of semiconductor photon detectors are presented. Several germanium multiple-detector arrays that have been configured are described and the corresponding applications are briefly noted including two arrays of four planar detectors for monitoring plutonium in the lungs. Germanium γ-ray detectors used for activation analysis are finding application in space and to analyze nuclear reactor activated materials. Attention is given to detector radiation damage, especially from fast neutrons and from charged particles. 13 refs