  Pixel vertex detectors are THE instrument of choice for the tracking of
charged particles close to the interaction point at the LHC. Hybrid pixel
detectors, in which sensor and read-out IC are separate entities, constitute
the present state of the art in detector technology. Three of the LHC detectors
use vertex detectors based on this technology. A development period of almost
10 years has resulted in pixel detector modules which can stand the extreme
rate and timing requirements as well as the very harsh radiation environment at
the LHC for its full life time and without severe compromises in performance.
This lecture reviews the physics and technology of pixel detectors for tracking
and vertexing at the LHC.
