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227-0624-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ITET

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Detecting the Unknown

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Davide Mezza

Up until FS24 named "Semiconductor Radiation Detectors: From the Application to the System"

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:18

Abstract

Whether you want to take a picture of a protein, study a galactic object, or make a movie of a chemical reaction, the process is essentially the same as taking a selfie or shooting a video with your smartphone. You just need a different “light” and a different camera! At the end of this course, you will know the fundamentals to develop such a camera and how to use it.

Objective

The main goal of the course is to combine the knowledge of the fundamental processes of interaction of radiation with matter with electronic readout circuits to have a deep insight into the working principle of a semiconductor radiation detector. The strong background on the detector principle is then complemented with applications so that the student has a general overview of a modern detector system and its application in different fields (photon science, particle physics, chemistry, medicine, etc.).

Content

This course will be divided into lectures and lab sessions. The fundamental theoretical concept will be given in the lectures with numerical examples. The labs will consist of hands-on experience acquiring data with a real detector system in the labs of PSI (Paul Scherrer Institut) and data analysis using Python. The day at PSI will include a visit to the Synchrotron and one of the six working Free Electron Lasers in the World.

Resources

Literature

H. Spieler, Semiconductor Detector Systems, Oxford University Press. Glenn F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement, 3rd (or 4th) ed., Wiley G. Lutz, Semiconductor Radiation Detectors: Device Physics, 2nd ed., Springer Additional material about specific topics (especially electronics) will be available to the students in terms of notes and slides.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: None

The learning tasks will be low-threshold activities to test the progress of the students over the entire duration of thecourse. The will consist of small in-class exercises and/or homework that will be corrected in class. Some ungradedquizzes (using the Kahoot app) might also be included but will not be part of the performance assessment.The compulsory continuous performance assessment will most probably consist of a semester project based on the activitiesperformed during the labs. The mandatory activity will contribute around 25% of the final grade.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Detecting the Unknown	Wed 14:15-16:00 (HG D 3.3)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialization Courses (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2008)
  - Major Courses (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Electronics and Photonics
      - Recommended Subjects (These courses are recommended, but you are free to choose courses from any other special field. Please consult your tutor.)