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

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 ¹⁰ B (n,α) ⁷ Li. To perform a real-time monitoring of the spatial distribution of ¹⁰ B during the treatments, the detection of the prompt gamma rays (478 keV), produced by the ⁷ Li 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.