Alpha particle detection with a planar CdZnTe detector and relative simulations

Purpose The performance of CZT in γ -ray and X-ray detection is growing rapidly in these years. However, there are only a few reports on its utilization in α particle detection. Therefore, to study the properties of CZT for detection of α particle, a detection system has been manufactured, and a series of simulations have been done. Methods A 22× 22× 0.7 mm^3 planar CZT detector is deployed to detect the α particles from a radiation source containing Am-241 and Pu-239, while COMSOL MultiPhysics and GEANT4 are employed in the simulation of charge collection and interaction between α particles and CZT. Results An energy resolution of 1.47