Sensitivity and Performance of Uncooled Avalanche Photodiode for Thermoluminescent Dosimetry Applications

Abstract

Detecting extremely low light signals is the basis of many scientific experiments and measurement techniques. For many years, a high-voltage photomultiplier has been the only practical device used in the visible and infrared spectral range. However, such a solution is subject to several inconveniences, including high production costs, the requirements of a supply voltage of several hundred volts, and a high susceptibility to mechanical damage. This paper presents two detection systems based on avalanche photodiodes, one cooled and the second operating at room temperature, in terms of their potential application in thermoluminescent dosimeter units. The results show that the detection system with an uncooled photodiode may successfully replace the photomultiplier tube commonly used in practice.

Keywords

• low optical signals
• photomultiplier
• avalanche photodetectors
• thermoluminescent dosimeters