Sensors for light and particle radiation

Silicon is the base material of numerous components and sensors. Its special semiconductor properties make it an excellent detector material for determining the irradiance, spatial and energetic distribution of incoming radiation. 

Photodiodes can be used to measure light over wide spectral ranges from deep ultraviolet to near infrared (IR) and over several orders of magnitude of irradiance. Silicon technologies can also be used in the mid- and long IR range. Here, for example, thermal legs (thermopiles) based on heat differences are used to detect irradiance. At the high-energy end of the spectral range, the ionizing effect of the radiation on the silicon crystal is used. Thus, X-rays and gamma rays, as well as particle radiation such as electrons, protons or larger ions can be detected using silicon radiation detectors.

Applications in process measurement, research, medical technology and life sciences

The CiS Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik GmbH researches, develops and manufactures silicon sensors and sensor modules for the detection of light and radiation of different energy ranges. The applications of such sensors are manifold and cover areas such as industrial process measurement, basic research, medical technology and life sciences.

Contact: Dr. Martin Schädel, mschaedel@cismst.de