Iodine based compound semiconductors for room temperature gamma-ray spectroscopy

Azaree T. Lintereur, Wei Qiu, Juan C. Nino, James E. Baciak

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Iodine-based compound semiconductors may allow one to build a portable gamma-ray spectrometer with improved efficiency and energy resolution compared to many other portable spectrometer devices. Iodine-based semiconductors have a wide band gap that allows these detectors to operate without any cooling mechanism. Bismuth iodide (BiI3), lead iodide (PbI2) and mercuric iodide (HgI2) have theoretical gamma-ray detection efficiencies approximately 2-3 times higher than CdZnTe, the current compound semiconductor material proposed for use in several homeland/national security applications, over the range of 200-3000 keV. At 662 keV, BiI3, HgI2 and PbI2 have theoretical intrinsic photopeak efficiencies of 16.8%, 19.3% and 19.9%, respectively, while CdZnTe has a photopeak efficiency of 9.03%. In addition, gamma-ray spectrometers made from iodine-based compound semiconductor materials have demonstrated energy resolutions (FWHM) less than 2% at 662 keV. A 2% FWHM represents a significant improvement over many of today's scintillator-based radiation detectors used for homeland/national security purposes. We present some fundamental challenges in working with iodine-based semiconductors, including crystal growth issues and properties of the materials limiting radiation detector size, and the need for advanced electrode designs. Finally, we present elementary measurements illustrating the detection capabilities of iodine-based compound semiconductor materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOptics and Photonics in Global Homeland Security IV
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventOptics and Photonics in Global Homeland Security IV - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: Mar 17 2008Mar 20 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6945
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherOptics and Photonics in Global Homeland Security IV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period3/17/083/20/08

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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