Dramatic resolution enhancement of gamma-ray spectra acquired with cadmium-zinc-telluride detectors via a patented pulse-shape-analysis methodology

We are developing a technique to correct for the resolution-degrading ballistic deficit in cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) gamma-ray detectors using our patent-pending pulse-shape analysis methodology. The pulse-shape-analysis methodology has already been demonstrated by LLNL for application in Compton rejection (technology being licensed) and possible application to gamma-ray imaging with Ge-based systems. If the extension of our technique to CZT detectors is successful, this approach will yield a truly high-resolution CZT detector without the limitations associated with co-planar grids or other designs. Current indications are that we will achieve dramatic improvement to the resolution characteristics of CZT and greatly increase the utility of such devices for radiation detection and assessment applications. The current project status including simulations and experimental measurements are discussed.