Developing CZT for Single Element Spectrometers

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors have the potential to be a powerful and versatile tool in the tracking and control of nuclear materials. However, despite well over a decade of development, yield of spectrometer grade material remains low. This project will investigate the traveling heater method (THM) as an alternative method for growing CZT. The Phase I project was aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of producing detector grade CZT by THM. Detector grade CZT was grown by THM, and extensive characterization of the material was conducted. The Phase II project will optimize the THM method for growing CZT for eventual use in nuclear non-proliferation. Growth of large crystals, tuning of dopant concentration and annealing, and extensive characterization of material properties is planned. Evaluation of detectors as high resolution spectrometers with 3-D corrections is also planned. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed detector technology may be used for nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear and particle physics experiments, medical imaging systems, astronomy, diffraction, non­destructive studies and bore hole logging.