Coplanar CdZnTe p-i-n, Gamma-Ray Detectors for Nuclear Spectroscopy

40439 November 18, 1996 Spire Corporation Miniature detectors are used to monitor stored nuclear materials such as plutonium and uranium. This project will develop a new device design to improve the energy resolution of cadmium-zinc-telluride (CdZnTe) radiation detectors. The proposed design is to form a coplanar p-i-n grid on one face and a continuous ohmic contact on the other face of CdZnTe. The coplanar grid offers improved energy resolution due to efficient collection of electrons, and the p-i-n structure design offers low leakage current and allows operation at high electric bias voltage. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept by designing, fabricating, and testing a coplanar p-i-n CdZnTe detector. Phase II will optimize the detector structure and build prototype, portable systems. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Application for these detectors include portable detector systems for monitoring uranium and plutonium in nuclear facilities, as well as gamma spectroscopy and X-ray astronomy .