SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
CDZNTE POSITION-SENSITIVE X-RAY/GAMMA RAY DETECTORS
Technical Abstract:
Digirad proposes to develop a new class of solid-state detector arrays with microelectronics readout circuitry
for two-dimensional imaging of x-ray and gamma ray fields in support of next-generation Earth and space
science mission requirements. The approach uses cadmium zinc telluride (CZT), a new room temperature
detector material first developed by Digirad. Recent results show that CZT detector arrays can exhibit high
detection efficiencies and superior energy resolution from below 1 kev to above 600 kev. CZT detectors are
robust and lightweight; and can be patterned in a variety of array structures, with pixel dimensions to well
below 100 m. The innovation of producing CZT imagers suitable for space applications has not yet been
accomplished, although at least three proposals accepted by NASA'S recent New Mission Concepts for
Astrophysics program recommended their use. Thus CZT imager development responds directly to Section
8.04 of the SBIR solicitation, and particularly to the needs of NASA small missions initiatives. Phase I goals
are to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving performance goals by analyzing the performance of specific
array structures and studying their tolerances to the vibration, temperature variation and radiation conditions of
launch and space environments.
Potential Commercial Applications:
CZT imager technology improvements developed in this project should directly benefit Digirad's new gamma
camera for nuclear medicine and other imaging products under development by providing improved
performance and reliability, and lower manufacturing costs.
Name and Address of Offeror:
Digirad
7408 Trade Street
San Diego, CA 92121-2410
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The SBIR/STTR EMS site is maintained by Steve
Hu, Hughes STX.
For comments and questions, contact
webmaster@sbir.hq.nasa.gov.
Updated: Feb. 7, 1996