Detector

A detector for detecting radiation, the detector comprising:

• an anode, a cathode and an intermediate direct conversion material for converting radiation into electrons and holes, wherein the electrons are collectable by the anode, the intermediate direct conversion material is disposed between the anode and the cathode, the intermediate direct conversion material comprises an incidence surface, and the cathode is arranged on the incidenece surface;
• a detection signal generator for generating a detection signal depending on the collected electrons;
• an illuminator for illuminating the intermediate direct conversion material with illumination light being broadband visible and/or broadband infrared light, wherein the illuminator comprises:
• a diffractive plate with macro structures;
• a light source, located outside of the radiation, configured to emit illumination light from outside a path of the radiation;
• and
• coupling element that couples the illumination light through a side surface of the diffractive plate into the diffractive plate, where the illumination light is coupled out of the macro structures and traverses opening in the cathode to the intermediate direct conversion material;
• and
• wherein wavelengths of the illumination light include a band of wavelengths at least 100 nm broad.