sCVD Diamond Detector Offers Excellent Energy Resolution in Radiation Measurement

A recent study published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, led by EuPRAXIA fellow Divya, demonstrates excellent energy resolution in alpha spectroscopy using single-crystal chemical vapor deposition (sCVD) diamond detectors.

Radiations emitted by radioactive sources play a crucial role in fields such as nuclear safety, dosimetry, space missions, and radiation monitoring in conventional and plasma accelerators, as well as radiation therapy. Precise measurement of their energy allows for the identification of radiation and the monitoring of radiation exposure with high accuracy.

Diamond, known for its outstanding thermal conductivity and radiation hardness, is especially suited to harsh environments where conventional detectors degrade or fail. The sCVD sensor, grown by chemical vapor deposition, forms an almost defect-free crystal. The detector used in this study, developed by CIVIDEC Instrumentation GmbH, featured a 4.5 × 4.5 mm² active area with a thickness of 500 µm. In the study, the experts from CIVIDEC tested sCVD diamond detectors in vacuum using a ²⁴¹Am alpha source. The results showed an energy resolution of (16.7 ± 0.2) keV FWHM for 5.485 MeV alpha particles, achievable without peak fitting or offline analysis.

Unlike many existing systems requiring cooling or bulky shielding, these compact diamond detectors are reliable at room and elevated temperatures, exhibit low electronic noise, and can be deployed for extended durations.

They represent a fusion of advanced materials science and practical engineering, delivering a novel tool to measure the invisible but powerful forces of radiation. Their potential applications are wide-ranging and include nuclear safety, space missions, radiation monitoring in conventional and plasma accelerators.

The full paper can be found here.

Photo credit: https://cividec.at/detectors-B7-HT.html