Optimization of CZTS gamma-ray detectors

Abstract

Radiation detectors, especially for X- and gamma-rays, are being developed rapidly that utilize the advantages of semiconductor detectors operating at room temperature. CdTe and CdZnTe based detectors have successfully dominated the commercial market. Both the materials, however, face limitations due to the presence of high concentrations of intrinsic defects such as Te inclusions and sub-grain boundaries. In the recent years, we have observed that the addition of selenium circumvents many issues pertaining to CdTe/CdZnTe. As a result, the new quaternary material Cd1−xZnxTe1−ySey (CZTS) is emerging as a next-generation room temperature radiation detector material with the potential to supersede CdZnTe, competing in both cost and detector performance. In this presentation we will discuss the path toward optimization of the composition of the quaternary compound for the best detector performance.