Spectral response of large area CVD diamond photoconductors for space applications in the vacuum UV

This work reports on the development and characterization of large area (1 c m2) vacuum UV CVD diamond photodetectors to address the requirements of space missions where pixel and 2D arrays are used. The quality of the CVD diamond was characterized by photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. The performance of these devices in the dark and under illumination was investigated and the results compared to those from small area detectors based on similar material. Planar and transverse electrode configurations were used in order to evaluate the possibility of producing imaging detectors. The spectral analysis of the photocurrent was measured as a function of several functional parameters and experimental conditions.