Observation of beta and X rays with 3-D-architecture silicon microstrip sensors

The first silicon radiation sensors based on the three-dimensional (3-D) ar chitecture have been successfully fabricated, X-ray spectra from Iron-55 an d Americium-241 have been recorded by reading out a 3-D architecture detect or via wire bonds to a low-noise, charge-sensitive preamplifier, Using a be ta source, coincidences between a 3-D sensor and a plastic scintillator wer e observed. This is the first observation of ionizing radiation using a sil icon sensor based on the 3-D architecture. Details of the apparatus and mea surements are described.