Application of Planar Silicon Detectors for Monitoring Accidental Intakes, Wounds and Small Biological Samples

The design and characteristics of a spectroscopy system prototype, featuring a high energy resolution semiconductor detector operating at room temperature, is presented with a view to its use for solving radiation protection monitoring problems. This device combines large-area (3×3 cm 2 ) strip silicon detectors and discrete analogue electronics including multiplexed readout circuits and anticoincidence shielding. The applications of such a system are discussed in the light of germanium detector technology. Contaminated wounds, thyroid and small biological samples are reviewed as examples of operational cases relevant to individual monitoring.