The straight one-dimensional CdTe nanorod arrays on indium tin oxide coated glass substrate with high purity have been synthesized using a rapid and convenient electrodeposition method. The electrodeposited thin films were studied and investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The structural and optical studies revealed that films are possess sphalerite phase. The device based on the aligned array-on-ITO configuration demonstrates excellent photoresponse to the visible light, which is ascribed to the large absorption coefficient of the material and also suggests good electronic structure quality of the nanorods. Published by Elsevier B.V.