SYNCHROTRON X-RAY BASED CHARACTERIZATION OF CDZNTE CRYSTALS

Synthetic CdZnTe or 'CZT' crystals can be used for the room temperature-based detection of γ-radiation. Structural/morphological heterogeneities within CZT, such as twinning, inclusions, and polycrystallinity can affect detector performance. We used a synchrotron-based X-ray technique, specifically extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, to determine whether there are differences on a local structural level between intact CZT of high and low radiation detector performance. These studies were complemented by data on radiation detector performance and transmission IR imaging. The EXAFS studies revealed no detectable local structural differences between the two types of CZT materials