Dynamic response of diamond sensors to ionizing radiation beams

Prototypes of radiation detectors for clinical dosimetry were constructed using commercially available synthetic diamond. Polished diamond plates of detector grade and standard quality were used. The metallization scheme was a typical Ag–Ag contact for the detector grade diamond and a new metallization technique for the standard quality diamond. This was for determining which detector is more appropriate for radiotherapy dosimetry needs. The detector signal was analyzed as a function of bias voltage in the 0–500 V range both in absence of radiation and in a Co-60 gamma-ray beam. The response linearity was assessed in Co-60 gamma-ray beam for dose-rates in the range from 0.2 to 1.2 Gy min−1. Pre-irradiation effects were also investigated. Signal rise time, signal stability and reproducibility are reported and discussed.