  Pixel detectors for precise particle tracking in high energy physics have
been developed to a level of maturity during the past decade. Three of the LHC
detectors will use vertex detectors close to the interaction point based on the
hybrid pixel technology which can be considered the state of the art in this
field of instrumentation. 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 without
severe compromises in performance. From these developments a number of
different applications have spun off, most notably for biomedical imaging.
Beyond hybrid pixels, a number of monolithic or semi-monolithic developments,
which do not require complicated hybridization but come as single sensor/IC
entities, have appeared and are currently developed to greater maturity. Most
advanced in terms of maturity are so called CMOS active pixels and DEPFET
pixels. The present state in the construction of the hybrid pixel detectors for
the LHC experiments together with some hybrid pixel detector spin-off is
reviewed. In addition, new developments in monolithic or semi-monolithic pixel
devices are summarized.
