Overview: Silicon vertex detectors and trackers

Performance requirements for Si tracking detectors for high- luminosity collider experiments are discussed. The radiation hardness of Si sensors and front-end electronics for the readout of Si detectors is reviewed. Some typical experimental results on radiation hardness are presented. The basic ingredients needed for the construction of Si trackers are described. Some performance results are shown. A very short discussion of mechanical support structures and alignment methods is given. (24 refs).