Let circles $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$ have radii $r_1$ and $r_2$, respectively. Assume that $r_1 < r_2$. Let $T$ be an intersection point of $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$, and let $S$ be the intersection of the common external tangents of $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$. If it is given that the tangents to $\Gamma_1$ and $ \Gamma_2$ at $T$ are perpendicular, determine the length of $ST$ in terms of $r_1$ and $r_2$.