Optimization of selenium in CdZnTeSe quaternary compound for radiation detector applications

X- and gamma-ray detectors are increasingly becoming an essential tool for science technology in various fields, including homeland security, nonproliferation, nuclear medical imaging, astrophysics, high energy physics. Cd1−xZnxTe1−ySey (CZTS) is emerging as a next-generation compound semiconductor such applications. CZTS was found to possess very low concentration of Te inclusions free from sub-grain boundary networks. Being quaternary with varying alloy compositions, optimization the composition performed determine minimum amount selenium required produce reduced defects. The optimized be x = 0.10 y 0.02, i.e., Cd0.9Zn0.1Te0.98Se0.02, excellent material properties radiation detector. resulting networks highly inclusions. bulk dark resistivity obtained range 1–3 × 1010 Ω cm highest achieved mobility-lifetime product ∼6.6 10−3 cm2/V composition. Impurity analyses were by glow discharge mass spectroscopy technique, results showed relatively impurity concentrations compared commercial detector-grade CdZnTe. Thus, has room further improvement additional purification starting materials.