Recent Developments and Applications of Segmented Germanium Detector Systems

Segmented High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector systems represent a pinnacle of modern radiation detection, offering unprecedented energy resolution combined with spatial sensitivity. Traditional planar and coaxial HPGe designs are progressively augmented by multi-fold segmentations, which allow for the reconstruction of three-dimensional interaction points within the active crystal volume. This structural advancement, paired with cutting-edge electronics, enables high-fidelity spectroscopic studies across various subfields of physics. However, maximizing the capabilities of these systems requires overcoming persistent challenges in crystal fabrication, segment cross-talk, complex signal processing, and real-time algorithm execution.

The goal of this Research Topic is to convene a specialized, global community of physicists, engineers, and data scientists to highlight recent innovations in segmented germanium technology. This collection will address the core physical and computational bottlenecks in current detector designs, such as signal simulation, pulse-shape analysis (PSA) algorithms, and the integration of machine learning for faster gamma-ray tracking. By presenting both theoretical simulations and experimental benchmarks, this Research Topic aims to establish new operational standards and showcase how optimized segmentation can expand spectroscopic boundaries.

We invite contributions that explore the design, optimization, and real-world implementation of segmented germanium detectors. We particularly welcome submissions addressing:

• Innovations in HPGe crystal segmentation, geometry, and contact technology.

• Advanced signal processing, digital electronics, and pulse-shape analysis (PSA) algorithms.

• Gamma-ray tracking methods and Geant4/computational simulation modeling.

• Application of segmented systems in low-background physics (e.g., double beta decay searches), nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, astrophysics, and medical imaging.

We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Technology and Code articles.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: High-Purity Germanium (HPGe), Detector Segmentation, Pulse Shape Analysis, Gamma-Ray Tracking, Nuclear Structure, Radiation Spectroscopy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.