Large area avalanche photodiodes in scintillation and X-rays detection

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment Vol. 485; no. 3; pp. 504 - 521
• Main Authors: Moszyński, M, Szawlowski, M, Kapusta, M, Balcerzyk, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 11-06-2002
• Subjects: Avalanche photodiodeks; Energy resolution; Fast timing; Scintillation detection; X-rays detection; Avalanche photodiodeks; Scintillation detection; Fast timing; X-rays detection; Energy resolution
• ISSN: 0168-9002; 1872-9576
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-9002(01)02117-9

The presented paper summarizes our earlier studies on application of beveled-edge Large Area Avalanche Photodiodes (LAAPDs) in γ-rays scintillation detection. LAAPDs, due to their high quantum efficiency and low excess noise factor allow for better statistical accuracy of the signal as compared to photomultipliers. The device dark noise contribution significantly affects energy resolution only for γ-rays with energy below 50
keV. Notably better or comparable energy resolutions to those observed with a XP2020Q photomultiplier were obtained with the LAAPDs for a number of different scintillators. Particularly, the recorded energy resolutions of 4.3±0.2% and 4.8±0.14% measured with YAP and CsI(Tl) crystals, respectively, for the 662
keV γ-peak from a
137Cs source belong to the best observed ever with these scintillation detectors. Results of the study of timing with fast scintillators coupled to the LAAPD showed subnanosecond time resolution of 570±30
ps for
60Co γ-rays detected in LSO crystal. The response of LAAPD to X-rays and factors limiting energy resolution have been discussed too.