Simulation of semiconductor detectors in 3D with SolidStateDetectors.jl

TL;DR

SolidStateDetectors.jl is an open-source Julia package that efficiently simulates 3D charge carrier dynamics in semiconductor detectors, especially germanium, including effects of surroundings and symmetries.

Contribution

The paper introduces a versatile, open-source Julia package for 3D simulation of semiconductor detectors, emphasizing efficiency, parallelization, and detailed modeling of detector environments.

Findings

Verified with an n-type segmented germanium detector

Supports full 3D field calculations and drift simulations

Allows study of detector surroundings effects

Abstract

The open-source software package SolidStateDetectors$.$jl to calculate the fields and simulate the drifts of charge carriers in solid state detectors, together with the corresponding pulses, is introduced. The package can perform all calculations in full 3D while it can also make use of detector symmetries. The effect of the surroundings of a detector can also be studied. The package is programmed in the user friendly and performance oriented language Julia, such that 3D field calculations and drift simulations can be executed efficiently and in parallel. While all kinds of semiconductor devices can be simulated, special emphasis is put on germanium detectors. The verification of the package is shown for an n-type segmented point-contact germanium detector. Additional features of SolidStateDetectors$.$jl planned for the near future are listed.