Characterization of FBK small-pitch 3D diodes after neutron irradiation up to 3.5x10**16 neq cm**-2

Abstract

We report on the characterization by a position resolved laser system of small-pitch 3D diodes irradiated with neutrons up to an extremely high fluence of 3.5x10**16 neq cm**-2. We show that very high values of signal efficiency are obtained, in good agreement with the geometrical expectation based on the small values of the inter-electrode spacings, and also boosted by charge multiplication effects at high voltage. These results confirm the very high radiation tolerance of small-pitch 3D sensors well beyond the maximum fluences expected at the High Luminosity LHC.