Current detectors for x-ray and gamma-ray measurements in the 1 keV to 1 MeV range are inadequate. New detectors with greatly improved resolution, efficiency, and room-temperature performance are needed. New approaches for vastly improved performance with CdTe, Cd1-xZnxTe and HgI2 are proposed. Specific innovations are introduced for detectors to be used in the x-ray, hard x-ray and gamma-ray spectral regions. Development leading to an "off-the- shelf" x-ray detector for XRF are proposed. The introduction of new structures such as drift structures are proposed in the hard x-ray and gamma region. Using this approach hole collection is eliminated and spectral shape will be vastly improved. Additionally, electronic noise reduction is possible due to specific proposed implementation of the devices. A further innovation proposed is a new type of scintillator detector based on small CsI(Tl) scintillation crystals (10 mm2 by up to 10mm thick) coupled with HgI2 photodetectors. Significant advantages in efficiency and performance over current CdTe and HgI2 detectors are possible. The research team at Xsirius are established leaders in this field and are uniquely able to offer detector developments using all of the proposed materials. The potential market for these new room temperature x-ray and gamma-ray detectors is over $1-billion.COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: This project will lead to a new generation of high-resolution, high-efficiency HgI2, CdTe, and CdZnTe detectors for 1 keV to 1 MeV x-rays and gamma rays. The potential markets for new room-temperature x-ray and gamma-ray detectors with the projected improvements in performance are in the billion dollar range including instrumentation for environmental, medical and space applications where they would replace existing detectors.
