Carolyn S Tull

US Patent:

6455858, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Aug 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/638738

Inventors:

Bradley E. Patt - Sherman Oaks CA
Jan S. Iwanczyk - Los Angeles CA
Carolyn R. Tull - Orinda CA
Gintas Vilkelis - Westlake Village CA

Assignee:

Photon Imaging, Inc. - Northridge CA

International Classification:

H01L 2714

US Classification:

25037014, 257452

Abstract:

A semiconductor radiation detector is provided to detect x-ray and light photons. The entrance electrode is segmented by using variable doping concentrations. Further, the entrance electrode is physically segmented by inserting n+ regions between p+ regions. The p+ regions and the n+ regions are individually biased. The detector elements can be used in an array, and the p+ regions and the n+ regions can be biased by applying potential at a single point. The back side of the semiconductor radiation detector has an n+ anode for collecting created charges and a number of p+ cathodes. Biased n+ inserts can be placed between the p+ cathodes, and an internal resistor divider can be used to bias the n+ inserts as well as the p+ cathodes. A polysilicon spiral guard can be implemented surrounding the active area of the entrance electrode or surrounding an array of entrance electrodes.