Which component of a semiconductor detector generates the initial electrical signal?

In a semiconductor detector, the generation of the initial electrical signal is primarily attributed to the interaction of ionizing radiation with the semiconductor material itself, which is best represented by the semiconductor layer. When ionizing radiation enters the detector, it transfers energy to the electrons in the semiconductor, causing them to become excited and create electron-hole pairs. This process results in the generation of electrical signals corresponding to the energy of the incident radiation.

The photoconductive crystal does play a role in some systems, particularly in converting light into electrical signals, but it is not the primary component responsible for generating the initial electrical signal in typical semiconductor detectors. The display screen is used to present the detected signals in a readable format but does not contribute directly to their generation. The amplifier, meanwhile, enhances the signals created but also does not initiate them. Thus, the semiconductor layer is the crucial component that produces the initial electrical signal in response to radiation detection.