Cd[sub 1[minus]x]Zn[sub x]Te gamma ray detectors

In this paper, results of an effort to improve the performance at CdTe detectors by addressing starting element purity and crystallinity are described. Structural perfection was improved by alloying with ZnTe for form crystals of Cd[sub 1 [minus] x]Zn[sub x]Te. Crystals were grown by a high pressure Bridgman method. Evidence for significant enhancements of the [mu][tau] products resulting from these efforts is presented. Features of Cd[sub 0.8]Zn[sub 0.2]Te detectors include: energy resolutions at 122 KeV [lt] 7%; resistivity approximately 10[sup 11] ohm-cm; no polarization effects; and temperature for useful operation up to 100C. The large sizes (e.g., 3 Kg, 7.5-cm diameter) and excellent homogeneity of the crystals make it possible to produce detectors and imaging arrays with areas of several square inches.