Novel Photodiode for Use in High Energy Physics--Cremat,
Inc., 45 Union Street, Watertown, MA 02172-2523;
617-926-0661
Mr. Fred Olschner, Principal Investigator, olschner@cremat.com
Mr. Fred Olschner, Business Official, olschner@cremate.com
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-01ER83172
Amount: $100,000
Avalanche
Photodiodes (APDs) have excellent light sensing capabilities and could replace
photomultiplier tubes in many large scintillator-based particle and gamma-ray
detectors. Their solid-state nature
renders them very compact and insensitive to magnetic fields. However, they cannot be manufactured cheaply in the large
quantities required for detectors used in high energy physics.
This project will modify the avalanche photodiode design in order to make
it manufacturable by processing facilities equipped to produce CMOS electronics.
The nature of avalanche photodiode production will change from a handmade
labor-intensive process to a fully automated one, resulting in a large reduction
in the cost, as well as an increase in photodiode availability.
Phase I will produce prototype detectors using the innovative new design,
and test the detector properties relevant to their use in high energy physics.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: A new, low cost, highly
sensitive photodiode, would be used as a component in various detector
configurations useful in high energy physics.
In addition, these devices will likely find application to other fields,
such as medical imaging, nuclear verification, and biohazard detection.