Large area gamma-ray imaging detector based on high resolution CdTe diode

We are developing a large array detector composed of 1024 individual CdTe diodes. The each detector has the dimensions of 1.2 mm /spl times/ 5.0 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm. An edge-on geometry is used for the injection of gamma-rays. With this geometry, the distance between the two electrodes can be kept small, and we can therefore apply the high electric field which is necessary to achieve the high energy resolution (by reducing the low energy tail) and also to sustain the long-term stability of the CdTe diode. Signals from each detector element are read into newly developed low noise ASICs. We use 32 chips for the readout of 1024 elements. In this paper, we will report basic characteristics of individual detectors and overall performance of the gamma-camera. Design or the readout electronics system is also described.