Which factor, when high, contributes to achieving the highest spatial resolution alongside small DEL size and small DEL pitch?

Which factor, when high, contributes to achieving the highest spatial resolution alongside small DEL size and small DEL pitch?

• A. Low fill factor
• B. Medium fill factor
• C. High fill factor
• D. No fill factor

Answer: (C)

High fill factor is essential for the best spatial resolution when the detector elements are already small and tightly packed. When DEL size and DEL pitch are small, the gaps between active areas would otherwise become a bigger fraction of the total area. A high fill factor means most of each element’s area is sensitive and capable of collecting signal, so events are localized to the correct pixel with less loss or blurring at the boundaries. This reduces dead space and minimizes charge sharing across neighboring DELs, sharpening the map of where the event occurred. If the fill factor were low, those gaps and boundary effects would blur the position information, even with tiny elements, limiting the achievable resolution. So, maximizing the active area relative to the pixel area—high fill factor—best supports achieving the highest spatial resolution alongside small DEL size and small DEL pitch.

High fill factor is essential for the best spatial resolution when the detector elements are already small and tightly packed. When DEL size and DEL pitch are small, the gaps between active areas would otherwise become a bigger fraction of the total area. A high fill factor means most of each element’s area is sensitive and capable of collecting signal, so events are localized to the correct pixel with less loss or blurring at the boundaries. This reduces dead space and minimizes charge sharing across neighboring DELs, sharpening the map of where the event occurred. If the fill factor were low, those gaps and boundary effects would blur the position information, even with tiny elements, limiting the achievable resolution. So, maximizing the active area relative to the pixel area—high fill factor—best supports achieving the highest spatial resolution alongside small DEL size and small DEL pitch.