Observation of Beta and X Rays with 3-D-Architecture Silicon Microstrip Sensors

Abstract—The first silicon radiation sensors based on the three-dimensional (3-D) architecture have been successfully fabricated. X-ray spectra from Iron-55 and Americium-241 have been recorded by reading out a 3-D architecture detector via wire bonds to a low-noise, charge-sensitive preamplifier. Using a beta source, coincidences between a 3-D sensor and a plastic scintillator were observed. This is the first observation of ionizing radiation using a silicon sensor based on the 3-D architecture. Details of the apparatus and measurements are described. Index Terms—Radiation detectors, radiation sensors, semicon-ductor detectors, semiconductor sensors, silicon sensors, three-di-mensional, 3-D sensors, (3-D) silicon sensors. I