3D-CZT Polarimeter

A challenge to the realization of a new class of high performance instruments, for hard X/γ-rays. 

The development of CdZnTe (CZT)/CdTe spectrometers with high 2D/3D spatial resolution and fine spectroscopy represent a challenge to the realization of a new class of high performance instruments, for hard X/γ-rays, able to fulfil the current and future requirements in several applications fields.

The choice of CZT/CdTe spectroscopic imager as scattering polarimeter, allows optimizing the detection efficiency, due to the high atomic number of the material, and simultaneously ensuring good spectroscopic performance and high spatial resolution (in 2D or 3D). Furthermore, 3D CZT/CdTe spectro-imagers, because their high spectroscopic resolution, (few % FWHM at 60 keV and <1% above 600 keV) and the high 3D spatial resolution (0.2-0.5 mm) achievable, allow to operate not only in full energy mode, but also as Compton scattering detectors if equipped with an appropriate electronics providing a suitable coincidence logic to handle multi-hit events. Because of these possibilities, such sensors are suitable to realize wide field detector for γ-ray (> 100 keV) both in ground and space applications.

In the framework of several funded projects (INAF,MIUR,ASI) AOB-INAF Bologna and IASF-INAF Palermo, since several years are involved, with different responsibilities levels, in the design and development of a fully functional 3D-CZT spectro-polarimeter with the characteristics described above, in collaboration with other Italian and International research groups.


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Contact person
Stefano Del Sordo