Fast stable visible-blind and highly sensitive CVD diamond UV photodetectors for laboratory and space applications

The first results obtained in the framework of the recently started Italian National Project 'EUV Diamond Detectors' are reported here. The project is aimed at the development of fast stable visible-blind and highly sensitive UV photodetectors based on CVD diamond, suitable for laboratory and space applications. There is considerable interest in investigating diamond properties in the unexplored wavelength range below 230 nm down to soft X-ray and in producing high-performance detectors with a high rejection ratio for visible photons. To this purpose, the photoelectric properties of metal-diamond structures are investigated in the 125-1100 nm wavelength range. This paper describes the performances of advanced diamond-based photodetectors in terms of UV responsivity, visible blindness and time response, showing a new biasing technique to improve time response. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.