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Title: Trace element and hydrocarbon analysis of mercuric iodide by ion microprobe and electron induced x-ray fluorescence techniques

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7254946

Since 1971, research on mercuric iodide (HgI/sub 2/) crystals as nuclear radiation detectors has generated a growing interest in the semiconductor and crystalline properties of this material. An investigation pursued only recently pertains to the trace element and hydrocarbon impurities present in the raw HgI/sub 2/ starting material. While various purifying schemes have been employed, there is only a very limited understanding of their effectiveness. This paper describes studies undertaken with ion microprobe and electron x-ray fluorescence techniques (1) to quantify the trace elements in the residues removed from the starting material as well as in the final single crystals, and (2) to show the influence of impurity removal on nuclear detector performance. Both elemental and hydrocarbon contamination have been identified. The results indicate a preferred method of purification of the HgI/sub 2/ growth material.

Research Organization:
EG and G, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-08-1183
OSTI ID:
7254946
Report Number(s):
EGG-1183-2355; CONF-770204-2; TRN: 77-013953
Resource Relation:
Conference: 28. Pittsburgh conference on analytical chemical and applied spectroscopy, Cleveland, OH, USA, 28 Feb 1977
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English