Segmented HPGe Detector for Nuclear Reactions Research

In this article, development results from a new p-type high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector with a segmented n+-region are presented. The intended detector is used in spectrometry; however, its sixfold segmentation allows for the determination of the direction of individual photons emitted in the nuclear reactions from a source placed inside the detector. The capacitance and current voltage characteristics of the detector are presented. At full depletion of -1500 V, the segments' capacitance was measured to be 17 pF and leakage currents ranged between 7 and 10 pA. The energy resolution of the segments was measured with a variety of gamma sources and determined to be less than 1000 eV at 122 keV and less than 1900 eV at 1332 keV. The incident photon angle response from a radiation source placed inside the detector was also studied.