The M400: A customizable CZT detector for high-resolution spectroscopy

8th April 2025

At a glance

> H3D’s M400 is a small, portable 3D-CZT detector that can be directly integrated into novel experiments and unmanned systems.

> Weighing only 0.6 kg and ready to use in less than a minute, it provides powerful, high-resolution spectroscopy in a compact footprint.

> With a FWHM resolution less than 1.1% at Cs-137 (<0.8% for M400+), the M400 is a powerful alternative to HPGe detectors without the hassle of liquid nitrogen or cryogenic cooling.

Precision, portability, and power in a compact package

For researchers interested in high-resolution gamma spectroscopy, finding a lightweight option that can be integrated into novel experiments is a challenge. But the M400 by H3D represents a real solution. This Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) module delivers premium resolution in a compact package, offering a powerful yet flexible solution for research.

High sensitivity, superior spectroscopy

The M400 uses 3D-CZT technology, a direct semiconductor material that significantly improves energy resolution by converting radiation directly into an electrical signal. Unlike other CZT systems, which have smaller active crystals, the H3D M400 is significantly more sensitive, making it ideal for scientific research where experimental beam-time is often limited.  Additionally, H3D uses technology that reads out signals on a voxel-by-voxel basis, ensuring excellent energy resolution which far exceeds traditional scintillator technologies.

Portability meets performance

Weighing just 0.6 kg, the M400 is a truly portable solution that integrates seamlessly into laboratory setups and field deployments alike. Whether mounted on drones, robotic systems, or remote sensing platforms, its fast response time ensures reliable, real-time data collection for critical experiments in nuclear physics.

Researchers can integrate it into novel experiments, ensuring tailored data acquisition that meets the unique requirements of their studies. Furthermore, coincidence counting allows it to be synchronised with other radiation detectors for advanced event correlation and detection studies.

No cryogenics required

Unlike High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors that demand cryogenic cooling, the M400 operates efficiently at ambient temperatures while delivering performance comparable to cryogenically cooled alternatives. This makes it an ideal solution for both laboratory experiments and field research, reducing logistical challenges while maintaining high precision.

Find out more

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