Philip Datte | 17-ERD-032
Overview
X-ray detectors on the market have notable cost and operational overhead, and existing x-ray streak cameras have poor collection efficiency as energies increase above 12 keV. We investigated the feasibility of a solid-state streak detector for x-rays based on architecture similar to a solid-state (silicon) drift detector. Our goal was to design and test a proof-of-principle detector that would allow electron transport over comparatively large distances and maintain the temporal information of the initial waveform to be preserved. We also compared charge transport diffusion models to simulations in order to validate the temporal fidelity of the x-ray pulse shape for the purposes of reproducing the initial pulse temporal structure. We demonstrated a working planar silicon detector where charge transport was measured over a 1 cm drift region.
Impact on Mission
Every year, diagnostics systems rely more on semiconductor technologies that will enable miniaturization and increased reliability to achieve state-of-the-art measurements in complex experiments. This work contributes to the overall diagnostic capabilities of NNSA-supported programs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility in support of the high-energy-density physics, Inertial Confinement Fusion and stockpile stewardship programs. This, in turn, increases the core competency of the target diagnostic organization by demonstrating leadership in the area of high-speed x-ray detection. Variants of the detector system have applications in the life sciences, high intensity x-ray light sources, and astrophysics applications.
