Characterization of thallium bromide crystals for radiation detector applications

In this study, thallium bromide (TIBr) crystals have been investigated for radiation detector applications. Thallium bromide crystals have been grown by the traveling molten zone method using materials purified by the convent ional zone refining method. The grown crystals have been characterized in t erms of their structural properties, stoichiometry and surface properties. Charge transport properties of the grown crystals have also been evaluated by estimating the carrier mobilities and lifetimes of electrons and holes. Room temperature radiation detectors have been fabricated from the grown cr ystals by depositing gold electrodes on the surfaces that had been treated by mechanical polishing and chemical etching. An energy resolution of 37.2 keV full-width at half-maximum (5.6%) has been recorded fur 662 keV gamma - rays with a TIBr detector at room temperature. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.