Fielding and calibration issues for diamond photoconducting detectors

Abstract

Diamond photoconducting detectors (PCDs) are routinely fielded as soft x-ray diagnostics on Sandia’s Saturn facility. We have developed an improved detector mount that provides a 200 ps time response, is easily cleanable, and is very rugged. In addition, we have developed a new, fast insertion unit to apply bias voltage to the detectors. Absolute calibration of the PCDs is carried out either at the Brookhaven National Synchrotron Light Source or on Sandia’s laser calibration facility. We are now fielding diamond elements that have the dimensions 1×3×0.5 mm and 1×1×0.5 mm. We are neutron damaging some of the 1×1×0.5 mm detectors to reduce their sensitivity. We can tailor PCD sensitivity by adjusting element size and neutron damage level.