High-Resolution 3-D CZT Drift Strip Detectors for Prompt Gamma Ray and Neutron Detection in BNCT

Abstract

Spectroscopic imagers based on high-Z and wide-bandgap compound semiconductor detectors are widely proposed for the detection of prompt gamma rays in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). BNCT is a therapy based on the neutron capture reaction 10B (n,α)7Li. To perform a real-time monitoring of the spatial distribution of 10B during the treatments, the detection of the prompt gamma rays (478 keV), produced by the 7Li recoil nuclei, can be helpful. In this work, we presented the potentialities of new high-resolution CZT drift strip detectors, recently developed by our group, for BNCT measurements. The detectors, exploiting the analysis of the collected-induced charge pulses from anodes, cathodes and drift strips, show excellent energy resolution < 1% at 662 keV at room temperature. The results of preliminary gamma ray measurements under thermal neutrons at the T.R.I.G.A. Mark II research nuclear reactor of Pavia University (Italy) are shown.