Next-generation 3D CZT matrix detector with reduced noise and minimal readout requirements

Le résumé fourni par la source

Accurate and compact radiation detectors are increasingly needed in low- to medium-energy gamma-ray (MeV) space missions, yet current semiconductor detector technologies are limited by electronic noise, electrode capacitance, and system complexity. This work focuses on comprehensive simulation and performance evaluation of next-generation 3D CZT matrix detector architectures. The detector prototypes are currently under fabrication, and experimental characterization will be completed and published in a subsequent study. The present work therefore establishes the simulation framework and develops the offline reconstruction algorithm used as a ground-truth reference for future neural-network-based signal processing. This approach enables systematic evaluation of detector response, interaction position reconstruction, energy deposition, and event topology before experimental validation. We present a next-generation 3D CdZnTe (CZT) matrix detector (MD) that uses a novel fine pitch electrode geometry to significantly reduce electronic noise and electrode capacitance. By optimizing weighting fields and charge sharing behavior, the design enhances signal fidelity and supports superior spatial and energy resolution. Our approach combines 3D charge transport and field simulations with experimental studies from previous detector studies to validate detector performance. A key advantage of the presented electrode geometry is its ability to extract 3D interaction position information with fewer readout channels, reducing electronics complexity and power consumption for space missions, advanced medical imaging, and radiation safety applications. The next-generation 3D CZT MD is designed as an electron-only device, where the electrode configuration enables single-side readout of all drift and anode signals. This geometry provides 3D interaction position reconstruction through two orthogonal one-dimensional readout structures. Despite the reduced electronics channel count, the detector extracts 3D interaction position, deposited energy, interaction topology, and radiation type, with high sensitivity to Compton events and photon polarization through waveform signal processing.

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