A compact air cooling system for testing silicon detectors based on a vortex chiller

Abstract The testing of irradiated silicon detectors requires maintaining low ( ≤ -10 °C) temperatures, to simulate a realistic operating environment and prevent annealing effects from distorting the results of the measurement. Keeping a device cool and dry is challenging, particularly if the apparatus must be portable. This paper presents a solution for a providing a stable, cool and dry environment for testing an irradiated silicon detector, that is easy to transport and can be installed in charged particle beam areas and irradiation facilities.