Improved electroless platinum contacts on CdZnTe X- and γ-rays detectors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Semiconductor Physics
• Nuclear Instrumentation

Background:

• Platinum contacts are crucial for cadmium-zinc-telluride (CdZnTe) radiation detectors.
• Poor mechanical adhesion of platinum limits detector lifespan.
• Electroless deposition offers a potential solution for robust contact fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and effective electroless deposition method for robust platinum contacts on CdZnTe.
• To characterize the properties and performance of these platinum contacts.
• To investigate the use of platinum contacts for carrier transport measurements.

Main Methods:

• Electroless deposition of platinum onto CdZnTe crystals.
• Microscopical analysis (thickness, composition, adhesion).
• Current-voltage measurements to confirm junction blocking nature.
• Current transient measurements for carrier mobility and lifetime estimation.

Main Results:

• Achieved robust platinum contacts with good mechanical adhesion.
• Confirmed the blocking nature of the Pt-CdZnTe junction.
• Demonstrated good room temperature spectroscopic performance (energy resolution ~3-4% FWHM).
• Successfully estimated carrier lifetime and mobility for holes and electrons.

Conclusions:

• Electroless deposition provides a viable method for creating durable platinum contacts on CdZnTe.
• These contacts enable high-performance radiation detection with excellent energy resolution.
• Platinum contacts facilitate advanced characterization of semiconductor properties, including carrier transport dynamics.