Final answer:
A solid-state radiation detector combines a photodiode and a transistor to convert incident radiation into electrical current. It uses semiconductors to convert ionization produced by radiation into an electrical signal. Solid-state detectors are efficient and can provide detailed information about the energy deposited by radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A solid-state radiation detector is a device that converts incident radiation directly into electrical current. It combines a photodiode, which detects light, and a transistor, which amplifies the electrical signal. Solid-state detectors use semiconductors, like those found in computer chips, to convert ionization produced by radiation into an electrical signal. They are efficient and provide sophisticated information about the energy deposited by radiation.