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Cirignano, L.

Publications and source records attributed to Cirignano, L..

Using 3D position sensitivity to reveal response non-uniformities in CdZnTe, TlBr, and CsPbBr 3 detectors

Position sensitivity enables the correction of response non-uniformities in room-temperature semiconductor detectors caused by crystal defects and other factors. It can also be used to pinpoint the exact location of crystal defects responsible for the response variations. This work describes a technique for revealing and visualizing the detector regions affecting the charge collection efficiency in CdZnTe (CZT), TlBr, and CsPbBr 3 detectors configured as position-sensitive virtual Frisch-grid (VFG) devices. The technique correlates the photopeak events in energy spectra with their spatial distributions inside the detectors using the position information. By selecting the events from narrow energy intervals within a photopeak, we can visualize the detector volumes with particular charge collection efficiencies, which, in turn, correlate with the locations of electrode and crystal defects. Here, we demonstrate this technique in several examples. Columnar structures in the volume plots (position distribution maps) are consistent with signal losses near or at the anode in selected samples of CZT and TlBr. Structures exhibiting a distinct depth dependence are consistent with grain boundaries or other crystal defects.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

Multi-channel front-end ASIC for a 3D position-sensitive detector

Arrays of 3D position-sensitive detectors (3DPSD), operating at room temperature and using cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and thallium bromide (TIBr) sensors, are suitable for gamma-ray spectrometry in many applications. One detector configuration, the 3D position-sensitive Virtual Frisch-Grid detector (VFG), is particularly advantageous for integrating into large area arrays. The signals generated inside each detector of the array are captured with the anode, cathode and four pads that enable the reconstruction of the position and energy of the ionizing interaction by measurements of amplitude and timing of the signals. For these applications, a low-noise front-end ASIC has been developed, capable of processing bipolar signals (needed because of AC-coupling of certain electrodes). The ASIC can be coupled to an ADC in order to form a compound “waveform digitizer” capable of post-processing the analog signals and determining amplitude and timing information. This paper describes a 32-channel front-end ASIC that is suitable for reading out a 3 × 3 or 4 × 4 element matrix in the VFG configuration. Each channel is composed of a low-noise charge amplifier with an adaptive continuous reset feedback circuit suitable for both positive and negative charge, a first order shaper and a single-to-differential converter output stage. Voltage and current references are all internally generated by 10-bit DACs and the chip is fully controllable with the I 2 C communication protocol. The readout channel response has been verified using the implemented injection circuit. Linear behavior up to ~75 ke ± with the gain of ~80 mV/fC, and up to ~200 ke ± with the gain of ~30 mV/fC was demonstrated. In conclusion, the first test result waveforms using a 137 Cs radioactive source on a 5 × 5 × 12 mm 3 TIBr crystal are reported.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

X-ray photoemission analysis of chemically modified TlBr surfaces for improved radiation detectors

We subjected device-grade TlBr to various chemical treatments used in room temperature radiation detector fabrication to determine the resulting surface composition and electronic structure. As-polished TlBr was treated separately with HCl, SOCl 2 , Br:MeOH and HF solutions. High-resolution photoemission measurements on the valence band electronic structure and Tl 4f, Br 3d, Cl 2p and S 2p core lines were used to evaluate surface chemistry and shallow heterojunction formation. Surface chemistry and valence band electronic structure were correlated with the goal of optimizing the long-term stability and radiation response.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solid state neutron dosimeter for space applications

One of the most important contributions to the radiation exposure of astronauts engaged in space flight is the significant flux of high energy neutrons arising from both primary and secondary sources of ionizing radiation. Under NASA sponsorship, we are developing a solid state neutron sensor capable of being incorporated into a very compact, flight instrument to provide high quality real time measurement of this important radiation flux. The dosimeter uses a special, high neutron sensitivity, PIN diode that is insensitive to the other forms of ionizing radiation. The dosimeter will have the ability to measure and record neutron dose over a range of 50 microgray to tens of milligrays (5 millirads to several rads) over a flight of up to 30 days. The performance characteristics of the PIN diode with a detailed description of the overall dosimeter is presented.

Nagarkar, V.↗