State-of-the-art technology for X- and gamma-ray detection does not meet the requirements for the production of detectors needed for some nuclear physics applications (low maintenance, high-resolution, large size arrays of detectors). Manufacturing yields for detectors of CdxZnl-xTe, (the best material presently available), are limited to 1-4 percent, and new materials for room temperature X- and gamma-ray solid-state detection are being sought. This project will develop a high-yield production method for HgxCdl-xI2 , a new seminsulating material synthesized recently for the first time. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of synthesizing the new material using two methods, Vapor Phase Epitaxy (VPE) growth and Solid State Diffusion (SSD).
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Potential applications include accurate medical sensors, security inspection systems, surveillance of nuclear related activity, systems for detection and evaluation of nuclear emergencies, and detection of hard X and ? rays for astrophysical studies (nuclear excitation processes, cosmic radioactivity, cyclotron emission and absorption processes or ? rays burst random phenomena).
