Single-event keV proton detection using a delta-doped charge-coupled device

Using a delta-doped charge-coupled device (CCD), we have demonstrated an or der-of-magnitude improvement in the low-energy cutoff for particle detectio n compared to conventional solid-state detectors. Individual protons with e nergies in the 1.2-12 keV range were successfully detected using a delta-do ped, back-illuminated CCD. Moreover, it is shown that, by measuring the cha rge generated by the proton, it is potentially possible to use delta-doped CCDs to determine the energy of the incoming particle. (C) 1999 American In stitute of Physics. [S0003-6951(99)03943-1].