X-Ray Energy Detection Using Silicon Field Emission Imaging Array

Abstract

In this paper, silicon field-emission imaging array tips were used for X-ray energy detection. The incident X-ray photon, depending on its photon energy and the material of the detector, will generate a specific number of electron/hole pairs (EHPs) and penetrate an energy-dependant distance into the substrate. The collected electron current generates a distinct pulse width and height, which correlates to the specific energy of the incident photon. The amplified pulses, unlike ordinary energy detectors, are spatially specific to the photon impact; therefore, this method produces both an imager and an energy detector. This capability is unavailable in any other X-ray imaging method and therefore, is valuable in X-ray diffractometric applications