Abstract
This paper attempts to assess the state of the art of semiconductor probe detectors as a tool for nuclear medicine and radiobiology. The following points are discussed: -Operation of Semiconductor probes in the pulse mode (for tracer work) and in the photovoltaic mode (for dosimetry). -Encapsulation of the detector element. -Optimization of the electronics. -Energy resolution of the probes. -Spatial resolution of the probes. -Sensitivity to different kinds of radiation. -Clinical and experimental applications as given by the literature. -Reasons why these devices have not been widely accepted as clinical tools.