CdTe/CZT pixel detector for gamma-ray spectrometry with imaging and polarimetry capability in astrophysics

Gamma-ray astrophysics in the MeV energy range plays a crucial role for the understanding of many exciting cosmic phenomena such as stellar explosions or cosmic accelerators (e.g., Supernovae, Novae, Supernova Remants (SNRs), Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs), Pulsars, etc). Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) are very attractive materials for gamma-ray detection, which have demonstrated a great potential onboard current space missions (such as IBIS/INTEGRAL and BAT/SWIFT). However, the energy coverage of these instruments has been limited up to a few hundred keV, and there has not been yet a dedicated instrument for polarimetry. Our technological activities aim to develop a gamma-ray spectrometer based on Cd(Zn)Te detectors, with imaging and polarimetry capability for astrophysical applications, in the energy range from a few hundred keV up to a few MeV. Within this framework, a gamma-ray polarimeter based on pixelated Cd(Zn)Te detectors in planar-transverse-field (PTF) configuration, is being considered as a payload option for a balloon-borne experiment.