Silicon diodes as detectors for backscatter radiation in photon fields

Oncol Rep. 2001 Jan-Feb;8(1):181-3. doi: 10.3892/or.8.1.181.

Abstract

We investigated the use of unencapsulated silicon semiconductor detectors for backscatter radiation detection. The results were compared with Monte Carlo (MC) calculations modelling the experimental set-up. A special diode was manufactured, which was designed so that it allowed the positioning of different materials in close contact with the detector surface. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Pb, Ti and Fe (stainless steel) were used as backscatter materials. The diode signal was measured by integrating the current when irradiating the diode with an equal photon fluence obtained from a medical Co-60 source. When compared to the signal with PMMA as backscatter material the increase in signal was 21%, 27% and 73% for Ti, Fe and Pb, respectively. This is in reasonable agreement with the MC calculations, when taking the effective measurement depth in the Si diode detector into account.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes
  • Equipment Design
  • Lead
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Photons*
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Scattering, Radiation*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silicon*
  • Stainless Steel
  • Titanium

Substances

  • Cobalt Radioisotopes
  • Stainless Steel
  • Lead
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate
  • Titanium
  • Silicon