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Categories: energy, nanotechnology

BNL 12-42: Purification of Thallium Halides for X-ray and Gamma Ray Detectors

BNL Reference Number: BNL 12-42

Summary

Thallium halides (TlCl, TlBr, TlI) are attractive materials for room-temperature detectors of x-rays and gamma rays. They have wide (~3 eV) bandgaps, high stopping power, and high mobility-lifetime products. Nevertheless, the purity and crystal quality of these materials must be improved for them to be used routinely and fabricated into detectors at a reasonable price. Our purification method can be applied to either precursors or as-grown crystals, and removes electrically active impurities. The method can also be adapted to provide a diffusion barrier for electrode materials that might otherwise migrate into the detector body and form electrically active impurities.

Have Questions?

For more information about this technology, contact Kimberley Elcess, (631) 344-4151.