Western Kentucky University
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Colloquium

Dr. Jun Miyamoto

Department of Physics and Astronomy
Louisiana State University

"CdZnTe detectors for neutrino research"

November 14, 2011 @ 4:00 pm in TCCW 251

Abstract

CdZnTe is one of the large wide band gap semiconductors as well as CdTe and a promised room-temperature gamma ray detector with high energy resolution. We are studying coplanar and pixilated CdZnTe detectors for neutrino research. The detector contains many isotope candidates for neutrino-less double beta decay. Observation of this rare decay can confirm the Majorana nature of the neutrino and also the result can be used to determine the effective neutrino mass. In other words, the study works as a complimentary research for the more active neutrino oscillation experiments being performed in labs like Super-Kamiokande in Japan. Our current activities focus on studying a proto-type 1 cm3 CdZnTe crystal with coplanar electrodes to find their limitation and optimal operation conditions such bias voltage, circuitry, and the operation temperature. In addition, we are designing finely segmented pixilated CdZnTe detectors to take advantage of the small pixel effect that can lead to improved energy resolution without resorting to the conventional coplanar readout. Progress in this effort will be reported.