Book excerpt: This book addresses the fundamental principles of interaction between radiation and matter, the principles of working and the operation of particle detectors based on silicon solid state devices. It covers a broad scope in the fields of application of radiation detectors based on silicon solid state devices from low to high energy physics experiments, including in outer space and in the medical environment. This book also covers state-of-the-art detection techniques in the use of radiation detectors based on silicon solid state devices and their readout electronics, including the latest developments on pixelated silicon radiation detector and their application.The content and coverage of the book benefit from the extensive experience of the two authors who have made significant contributions as researchers as well as in teaching physics students in various universities.