CZT Semiconductors: Growth, Atomic-Scale Properties, and Integration into X-Ray Detection

PROJECT COST:

2 275 814 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

1 021 814 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

The primary objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive, fundamental understanding of CZT crystal properties to optimize their electronic behavior and X-ray detection efficiency.

By combining experimental atomic-scale analysis with novel theoretical computational methods, the team aims, in the first phase, to establish the relationship between crystallographic defects and charge transport behavior. This knowledge remains scarce in the literature due to the previous lack of experimental and theoretical techniques capable of bridging atomic-scale phenomena with device-scale performance. Our team (Polytechnique Montréal and McGill University) has recently developed new tools to fill this gap and generate the necessary insights to advance CZT semiconductor development.

Subsequently, the role of the surface in charge transport will be investigated to minimize charge loss, achieve optimal electrical contacts, and explore different device designs to improve CZT detector response. These studies are critical for understanding CZT semiconductor behavior during various microfabrication stages. The resulting data will be used to develop simulation software for CZT detector performance, guiding the deployment of X-ray imaging systems.

Successful completion of this project will impact multiple socio-economic sectors in Quebec, including healthcare, security, and surveillance. For example, X-ray imaging is ubiquitous in both aviation security and medical diagnostics. The availability of high-performance detectors will reduce the required dose and acquisition time for high-quality images, enabling accurate and rapid diagnostics.

CZT semiconductors exhibit a unique set of physical properties, making them a promising platform for exploring and exploiting novel quantum processes. For instance, the strong spin-orbit coupling in this system provides an additional degree of freedom to engineer spin states and implement spin-based transistors and qubits, which are foundational for classical and quantum communication and computing.

The project will showcase high-purity materials developed by 5N Plus and integrate them into technologies that can create business opportunities in the medical sector for Analogic Canada.

This project will also contribute to workforce development by training five doctoral students, three undergraduate students, and five postdoctoral researchers.