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Development of a Large-Area Mercuric Iodide Photodetector for Scintillation Spectroscopy--Constellation Technology Corporation, 7887 Bryan Dairy Road, Suite 100, Largo, FL  33777; 727-547-0600

Dr. John Richards, Principal Investigator, richards@contech.com 

Mr. Pete Secola, Business Official, secola@contech.com 

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER82980

Amount:  $749,569

This project will develop HgI₂ photodetectors, used in nuclear physics research, with resolution better than 6% for 662 keV.  In Phase I, a process for manufacturing HgI₂ photodetectors was developed.  The detectors had a Full Width Half Max (FWHM) resolution between 5.6% and 6.6%, with an average of 6.2% FWHM for 9 out of 10 operational units produced.  Phase II will fine tune performance and commercialize the process with formalized process control and quality assurance monitoring.  100 HgI₂ detectors will be manufactured in 14 process change steps, where each step in the process addresses optimization of functional and appearance design considerations.  All units will enter a longevity study, which will provide data for process control and quality assurance for detectors yielding FWHM resolution of 5.5%, or better.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should replace bulky and less efficient photomultiplier tupes used for intermediate energy room temperature nuclear spectroscopy. HgI₂ replacement units would not be susceptible to magnetic fields and would be ruggedized for nuclear assay field uses.  There is also a potential for medical applications.