Diamond Detectors

Charged particle accelerators are key tools in the study of the fundamental properties of matter and energy. Although accelerators can cost billions of dollars, they are only as effective as the detectors in them. Man-made diamond has exhibited potential as a relatively new detector material. Its unusual radiation hardness and high charge carrier mobility make it superior to existing silicon solid state detectors in both dosimetry and analysis of collision products. This project will develop a novel process for the cost-effective manufacturing of high-quality man-made diamond for detector applications, in order to improve the utilization of charge particle accelerators. Phase I achieved near state-of-the-art performance and identified a simple method for further improvements. In Phase II, deposition and post-deposition processes will be enhanced, and two geometries of prototype high performance diamond detectors will be built and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to its use in particle accelerators, diamond detectors should find application in charged-particle radiation therapy, which has been found to be effective in destroying cancerous growths. High quality diamond also offers an ability to provide electronic functionality at extremely high temperature, which suggests likely applications in high temperature electronics (such as in power management and conversion) and high power density electronics (such as in millimeter wave telecommunication and radar systems).