The Change in the Response of Ge(Li) Gamma Radiation Due to Damage Caused by High Energy Neutrons

Abstract

<p> This thesis deals with the changes, in the response of a Ge(Li) gamma ray detector, arising from damage caused by its exposure to high energy neutrons. The phenomenon of charge trapping is considered and included in a model explaining the collection of electron-hole pairs in a Ge(Li) detector. From this model a response function for the output of the detector is obtained and then applied to a description of the changes in FWHM of pulse height spectra peaks with energy and neutron irradiation.</p> <p> Described are experiments in which three detectors were exposed to fast neutrons and their changing response was related to the response function. Finally the number of damage centres produced by the neutrons is discussed.</p>