Low-current sensing circuit and topology for portable gamma radiation sensor

Abstract

Abstract-A sensing circuit is presented for a portable/handheld semiconductor based radiation sensor, which senses low current changes without the inclusion of transistor noise issues. This circuit design block was implemented using supporting circuit architectures to enable sensing between 33pA to 1nA using low voltages. Additionally, a unique circuit topology is presented by which the effect of radiation damage to the silicon substrate and any devices on the substrate is reduced.