Organic-type radiation detectors for particle physics experiments

Abstract

The prospect of using pi-conjugated organic semiconducting polymers as radiation detectors for particle physics experiments is explored. Three types were investigated due to their relative long-term stability: polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PT) and polyaniline (PAni). PPy and PT thin films were synthesized by electrolytic polymerization while the casting method was used for producing PAni thin films. The thin films were then used to construct radiation sensors. The fabricated sensors were subjected to ultraviolet light, laser radiation and beta particles. The response of the sensors to the various incident radiation is then compared to the corresponding responses of the silicon PIN photodiode.