On spectrometric performance of GaAs-based radiation detectors

The basic problems and advantages related to spectrometric applications of GaAs-based radiation detectors for the X- and /spl gamma/-ray region are discussed. Two types of detectors are tested, based on (i) semi-insulating GaAs bulk substrate and (ii) vapor phase epitaxy GaAs. Pulse height spectra for detection of /sup 241/Am and /sup 57/Co radionuclide decay standards are demonstrated. With a small volume GaAs detector energy resolution <1 keV is achievable at room temperature. The necessity of a low noise F-E readout electronic chain is demonstrated.