Preliminary study of CdZnTe for multipurpose radiation detection in broadband applications

Considering the limitations of traditional semiconductors, such as Si and Ge, in high-energy radiation environments, in this study, we demonstrated the reliable and efficient performance of CdZnTe (CZT; II–IV compound semiconductor) in detecting and distinguishing radiation across a wide energy range. A 1-inch CZT crystal was grown using the vertical Bridgman method and subjected to post-processing to prepare radiation detectors. A 6 × 6 × 8 mm³ CZT sample exhibited a resistivity of 1.9 × 10¹⁰ Ω cm, which indicated reduced electrical noise and improved signal accuracy. Using a¹³⁷Cs source, we achieved an energy resolution of 4.3 %, highlighting the potential of CZT for nuclear medicine applications. Additionally, its performance in diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices was tested. Exposure to computer tomography X-rays resulted in a linear current density with applied voltage, confirming the detectors' adherence to Ohm's law, high electron–hole pair concentration, and fast charge-carrier mobility. Testing with 6-MV photon and 6-MeV electron beams demonstrated the linearity between the detector's relative intensity and beam dose, confirming a consistent detector response. This linearity reduces uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment planning, emphasizing the practical benefits of CZT. Repeated trials at various radiation doses verified the accuracy and consistency of the CZT detector. Owing to its broad energy-sensitivity range, high energy resolution, and linear response to photon and electron beams, CZT emerges as a multipurpose candidate for radiation detection, medical imaging, and nuclear medicine applications.