CVD diamond films for nuclear radiation detection

New techniques have emerged for the growth of diamond films from chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Here, we concentrate on the use of these films towards specific nuclear detection applications. In order to compare polycrystalline CVD films of different thicknesses with monocrystalline natural diamond, we performed a series of experiments in which physical and electrical properties are probed. Also, preliminary radiation hardness studies under gamma-rays are reported. Responses to alpha particles have been performed and collection efficiencies are compared between thick and thin samples. All thick samples exhibit a detrimental time-dependent behaviour. Thin CVD films (< 20 mu m thick) display a good stability in time and can sustain very high fields (up to 3.10(5) V/cm) leading to collection efficiencies of 25 %.