Study of gain homogeneity and radiation effects of Low Gain Avalanche Pad Detectors

Silicon detectors with intrinsic charge amplification implementing a n(++)-p(+)-p structure are considered as a sensor technology for future tracking and timing applications in high energy physics experiments. The performance of the intrinsic gain in Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGAD) after irradiation is crucial for the characterization of radiation hardness and timing properties in this technology. LGAD devices irradiated with reactor neutrons or 800MeV protons reaching fluences of 2.3 x 10(16) n(eq)/cm(2) were characterized using Transient Current Technique (TCT) measurements with red and infra-red laser pulses. Leakage current variations observed in different production lots and within wafers were investigated using Thermally Stimulated Current (TSC). Results showed that the intrinsic charge amplification is reduced with increasing fluence up to 10(15) n(eq)/cm(2) which is related to an effective acceptor removal. Further relevant issues were charge collection homogeneity across the detector surface and leakage current performance before and after irradiation. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.