Growth of high quality bulk cadmium telluride crystals for use in X-ray and gamma-ray sensors

Abstract

Despite its intrinsic advantages as a sensor material for the detection of gamma and X radiation, CdTe has proved a difficult material to produce consistently and in sufficient quantities. We report further developments of a vapour phase technique, which has provided significant advantages over current melt growth technologies. Crystals of up to 50 mm in diameter have been produced with increased growth rates up to 12 mm/day.