The top dog in resolution

HPGe detectors have a significantly high resolution of ~0.15% @ 662 keV

This makes them appealing for applications in gamma spectroscopy requiring extremely distinct spectral peaks for the precise identification and quantification of radionuclides in a sample.

A small but mighty opponent

Cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) still offers a high resolution of <2.5% @ 662 keV. Although this is lower than HPGe detectors, spectra produced using CZT still exhibit clearly defined spectral peaks for accurate isotope identification and quantification in complex mixed samples.

And that's not all!

Unlike HPGe, CZT doesn't require cooling before use at room temperature, saving time, energy and money.

Compared to HPGe, CZT-based gamma spectrometers are also:

• Cheaper
• Self-contained with no need for highly accurate supporting electronics or cooling
• Simple to use with no need for specialist training to operate
• Small and easy to arrange into linear arrays, mount on UAVs and integrate into custom systems
 

CZT is a tough opponent to beat, serving as a cost-effective gamma spectrometer in applications such as contamination monitoring in the environment, Nuclear Power Plants, and analysis in the lab for students and researchers alike. 

A real test of strength!

This customer wanted to to see if a CZT-based GR1 could replace a Germanium Detector in radiopharmaceutical quality control applications.

What was the result?