The DEPFET active pixel sensor as vertex detectors for the ILC

For the International Linear Collider a vertex detector with unprecedented performance is needed. The DEPFET, which integrates a MOSFET into the high resistivity detector substrate offers such performance: large signal/noise, small pixel size, thin detectors, low power consumption, high readout speed and radiation tolerance. This paper presents the concept of the DEPFET and results of a complete prototype system with dedicated control and readout electronics. Measurements of the radiation hardness will be presented and the technology to achieve thin detectors (50 μm) will be discussed.