Enhanced X-ray Sensitivity of MAPbBr3 Detector by Tailoring the Interface-States Density

Real-Time Radiation Beam Monitoring by Flexible Perovskite Thin Film Arrays

Real-time and in-line transversal monitoring of ionizing radiation beams is a crucial task for several applications which span from medical treatments to particle accelerators in high energy physics. Here a flexible and large area device based on 2D hybrid perovskite thin films (phenylethylammonium lead bromide), fabricated onto a thin flexible polyimide substrate, able to map the transversal beam profile of high energy radiation beams is reported. The performance of this novel tool is here compared with the one offered by standard commercial large-area technology, namely radiochromic sheets. The great potential of this class of devices is demonstrated by successfully mapping in real-time a 5 MeV proton beam at fluxes between 108 and 1010 H+ s-1 cm-2, confirming the capability to operate in a radiation-harsh environment without output signal saturation issues. The versatility and scalability of here proposed detecting system are demonstrated by the development of a multipixel array able to map in real-time a 40 kVp X-ray beam spot (dose rate 8 mGy s-1). Perovskite thin film-based detectors are thus assessed as a very promising class of thin, flexible devices for real-time, in-line, large-area, conformable, reusable, transparent, and low-cost transversal beam monitoring of different ionizing radiation.

Surface defect mitigation via alkyl-ligand-controlled purification for stable and high-luminescence perovskite quantum dots

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have received considerable attention as fluorescent materials due to their excellent optical properties. However, because PQDs contain ionic bonds, they have the disadvantage of being vulnerable to environmental conditions, so improving their stability is essential. Indeed, recent research has focused on improving both the stability and luminescence of PQDs by mixing them with methyl acetate (MeOAc) to suppress surface defects via purification. MeOAc reacts with the surface ligands of PQDs, resulting in ligand-controlled purification. However, while the ligands are limited for the PQD synthesis, the effect of ligand alkyl-chain length has not been reported. Therefore, we report herein a strategy for obtaining stable PQDs with tunable performances by using amine ligands of various chain lengths. The amine ligand is selected because it is very effective in interacting with the halide vacancies present on the surface of the perovskite crystal structure. The results indicate that MeOAc becomes less effective as the chain length of the ligand is increased, and more effective as the chain length is decreased. Consequently, PQDs treated with MeOAc and a short-chain ligand afford a quantum yield (QY) of 79.2% and are highly stable when exposed to thermal and ambient conditions. Therefore, we suggest a facile approach to suppressing the degradation of PQDs during the fabrication process.

Exploring Non-Toxic Lower Dimensional Perovskites for Next-Generation X-Ray Detectors

Owing to their extraordinary photophysical properties, organometal halide perovskites are emerging as a new material class for X-ray detection. However, the existence of toxic lead makes their commercialization questionable and should readily be replaced. Accordingly, several lead alternatives have been introduced into the framework of conventional perovskites, resulting in various new perovskite dimensionalities. Among these, Pb-free lower dimensional perovskites (LPVKs) not only show promising X-ray detecting properties due to their higher ionic migration energy, wider and tunable energy bandgap, smaller dark currents, and structural versatility but also exhibit extended environmental stability. Herein, first, the structural organization of the PVKs (including LPVKs) is summarized. In the context of X-ray detectors (XDs), the outstanding properties of the LPVKs and active layer synthesis routes are elaborated afterward. Subsequently, their applications in direct XDs are extensively discussed and the device performance, in terms of the synthesis method, device architecture, active layer size, figure of merits, and device stability are tabulated. Finally, the review is concluded with an in-depth outlook, thoroughly exploring the present challenges to LPVKs XDs, proposing innovative solutions, and future directions. This review provides valuable insights into optimizing non-toxic Pb-free perovskite XDs, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Metal-Halide Perovskite Submicrometer-Thick Films for Ultra-Stable Self-Powered Direct X-Ray Detectors

Metal-halide perovskites are revolutionizing the world of X-ray detectors, due to the development of sensitive, fast, and cost-effective devices. Self-powered operation, ensuring portability and low power consumption, has also been recently demonstrated in both bulk materials and thin films. However, the signal stability and repeatability under continuous X-ray exposure has only been tested up to a few hours, often reporting degradation of the detection performance. Here it is shown that self-powered direct X-ray detectors, fabricated starting from a FAPbBr3 submicrometer-thick film deposition onto a mesoporous TiO2 scaffold, can withstand a 26-day uninterrupted X-ray exposure with negligible signal loss, demonstrating ultra-high operational stability and excellent repeatability. No structural modification is observed after irradiation with a total ionizing dose of almost 200 Gy, revealing an unexpectedly high radiation hardness for a metal-halide perovskite thin film. In addition, trap-assisted photoconductive gain enabled the device to achieve a record bulk sensitivity of 7.28 C Gy-1 cm-3 at 0 V, an unprecedented value in the field of thin-film-based photoconductors and photodiodes for "hard" X-rays. Finally, prototypal validation under the X-ray beam produced by a medical linear accelerator for cancer treatment is also introduced.

Halide Perovskites and Their Derivatives for Efficient, High-Resolution Direct Radiation Detection: Design Strategies and Applications

The past decade has witnessed a rapid rise in the performance of optoelectronic devices based on lead-halide perovskites (LHPs). The large mobility-lifetime products and defect tolerance of these materials, essential for optoelectronics, also make them well-suited for radiation detectors, especially given the heavy elements present, which is essential for strong X-ray and γ-ray attenuation. Over the past decade, LHP thick films, wafers, and single crystals have given rise to direct radiation detectors that have outperformed incumbent technologies in terms of sensitivity (reported values up to 3.5 × 106 µC Gyair -1 cm-2 ), limit of detection (directly measured values down to 1.5 nGyair s-1 ), along with competitive energy and imaging resolution at room temperature. At the same time, lead-free perovskite-inspired materials (e.g., methylammonium bismuth iodide), which have underperformed in solar cells, have recently matched and, in some areas (e.g., in polarization stability), surpassed the performance of LHP detectors. These advances open up opportunities to achieve devices for safer medical imaging, as well as more effective non-invasive analysis for security, nuclear safety, or product inspection applications. Herein, the principles behind the rapid rises in performance of LHP and perovskite-inspired material detectors, and how their properties and performance link with critical applications in non-invasive diagnostics are discussed. The key strategies to engineer the performance of these materials, and the important challenges to overcome to commercialize these new technologies are also discussed.

Ultrasensitive and Robust CsPbBr3 Single-Crystal X-ray Detectors Based on Interface Engineering

Halide lead perovskites have shown great development in recent years for ionizing radiation detection. However, the bias-induced interfacial electrochemical reaction between the perovskite and electrode severely deteriorates detector performance. We report that BCP strongly interacts with Al and constructs a stable Al-BCP chelating interface, resulting in the suppression of a detrimental electrochemical reaction. The fabricated Au/Al/BCP/C60/CsPbBr3/Au detector shows a low dark current of 3 nA with a stable baseline at an extremely high bias of 100 V (∼100 V mm-1). The superior high-bias stability enables a high sensitivity of 7.3 × 104 μC Gyair-1 cm-2 at 100 V. Meanwhile, a low detection limit of 15 nGyair s-1 at 40 V is achieved due to the reduced noise. The outstanding performance of our device exceeds that of most advanced detectors based on CsPbBr3 single crystals. Besides, X-ray imaging with 1 mm spatial resolution is well demonstrated at a low dose rate of 200 nGyair s-1. The interfacial chelating strategy overcomes the technical limitation of bias-induced instability of perovskite radiation detectors and can be anticipated to operate under an extremely high electrical field.

Lead-Free Halide Perovskites for Direct X-Ray Detectors

Lead halide perovskites have made remarkable progress in the field of radiation detection owing to the excellent and unique optoelectronic properties. However, the instability and the toxicity of lead-based perovskites have greatly hindered its practical applications. Alternatively, lead-free perovskites with high stability and environmental friendliness thus have fascinated significant research attention for direct X-ray detection. In this review, the current research progress of X-ray detectors based on lead-free halide perovskites is focused. First, the synthesis methods of lead-free perovskites including single crystals and films are discussed. In addition, the properties of these materials and the detectors, which can provide a better understanding and designing satisfactory devices are also presented. Finally, the challenge and outlook for developing high-performance lead-free perovskite X-ray detectors are also provided.

Solution-Grown MAPbBr3 Single Crystals for Self-Powered Detection of X-rays with High Energies above One Megaelectron Volt

Perovskite single crystals are actively studied as X-ray detection materials with enhanced sensitivity. Moreover, the feasibility of using perovskites for self-powered devices such as photodetectors, UV detectors, and X-ray detectors can significantly expand their application range. In this work, the charge carrier transport and photocurrent properties of MAPbBr3 single crystals (MSCs) are improved by the mechanochemical surface treatment using glycerin combined with an additional electrode design that forms an ohmic contact. The sensitivity of MSC-based detectors and pulse shape generated by X-rays are enhanced at various bias voltages. The synthesized MSC detectors generate direction-dependent photocurrents, which indicate the presence of a polarization-induced internal electric field. In addition, photocurrent signals are produced by X-rays with energies greater than 1 MeV under a zero-bias voltage. This work demonstrates a high application potential of perovskites as self-powered detectors for X-rays with energies exceeding 1 MeV.

Improving the Performance and High-Field Stability of FAPbBr3 Single Crystals in X-Ray Detection with Chenodeoxycholic Acid Additive

Organometal halide perovskite single crystals are one of the most promising radiation detection materials due to their unique advantages of high absorption coefficient, long carrier diffusion length, and low defect density. However, the severe ion migration in perovskites deteriorates the X-ray detection performance under longtime and high-field operating conditions. This work reports an effective additive of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), which can suppress the ion migration and improve the performance and the operational stability of FAPbBr₃ single crystals (SCs) in X-ray detection significantl. The CDCA molecules in precursors effectively suppress the decomposition of FA ions, resulting in a better crystal orientation and stoichiometry. The trace amounts of CDCA residues in FAPbBr₃ SCs improve the thermal stability and effectively suppress the ion migration. The resulting detector shows an impressive X-ray sensitivity up to 21 386.88 µC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 under -500 V and a detection limit of 15.23 nGy_air s^-1 . The response current of the detector at 225 V cm^-1 field is barely changed under the 7200 s irradiation with a dose rate of 1.949 mGy_air s^-1 . This work provides insights for the additive selection and improving the operational stability of perovskite single crystals for commercial applications.

Solution-grown BiI/BiI3 van der Waals heterostructures for sensitive X-ray detection

X-ray detectors must be operated at minimal doses to reduce radiation health risks during X-ray security examination or medical inspection, therefore requiring high sensitivity and low detection limits. Although organolead trihalide perovskites have rapidly emerged as promising candidates for X-ray detection due to their low cost and remarkable performance, these materials threaten the safety of the human body and environment due to the presence of lead. Here we present the realization of highly sensitive X-ray detectors based on an environmentally friendly solution-grown thick BiI/BiI₃/BiI (Bi_xI_y) van der Waals heterostructure. The devices exhibit anisotropic X-ray detection response with a sensitivity up to 4.3 × 10⁴ μC Gy^-1 cm^-2 and a detection limit as low as 34 nGy s^-1. At the same time, our Bi_xI_y detectors demonstrate high environmental and hard radiation stabilities. Our work motivates the search for new van der Waals heterostructure classes to realize high-performance X-ray detectors and other optoelectronic devices without employing toxic elements.

Recent Development of Halide Perovskite Materials and Devices for Ionizing Radiation Detection

Ionizing radiation such as X-rays and γ-rays has been extensively studied and used in various fields such as medical imaging, radiographic nondestructive testing, nuclear defense, homeland security, and scientific research. Therefore, the detection of such high-energy radiation with high-sensitivity and low-cost-based materials and devices is highly important and desirable. Halide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for radiation detection due to the large light absorption coefficient, large resistivity, low leakage current, high mobility, and simplicity in synthesis and processing as compared with commercial silicon (Si) and amorphous selenium (a-Se). In this review, we provide an extensive overview of current progress in terms of materials development and corresponding device architectures for radiation detection. We discuss the properties of a plethora of reported compounds involving organic-inorganic hybrid, all-inorganic, all-organic perovskite and antiperovskite structures, as well as the continuous breakthroughs in device architectures, performance, and environmental stability. We focus on the critical advancements of the field in the past few years and we provide valuable insight for the development of next-generation materials and devices for radiation detection and imaging applications.

Halide Perovskite: A Promising Candidate for Next-Generation X-Ray Detectors

In the past decade, metal halide perovskite (HP) has become a superstar semiconductor material due to its great application potential in the photovoltaic and photoelectric fields. In fact, HP initially attracted worldwide attention because of its excellent photovoltaic efficiency. However, HP and its derivatives also show great promise in X-ray detection due to their strong X-ray absorption, high bulk resistivity, suitable optical bandgap, and compatibility with integrated circuits. In this review, the basic working principles and modes of both the direct-type and the indirect-type X-ray detectors are first summarized before discussing the applicability of HP for these two types of detection based on the pros and cons of different perovskites. Furthermore, the authors expand their view to different preparation methods developed for HP including single crystals and polycrystalline materials. Upon systematically analyzing their potential for X-ray detection and photoelectronic characteristics on the basis of different structures and dimensions (0D, 2D, and 3D), recent progress of HPs (mainly polycrystalline) applied to flexible X-ray detection are reviewed, and their practicability and feasibility are discussed. Finally, by reviewing the current research on HP-based X-ray detection, the challenges in this field are identified, and the main directions and prospects of future research are suggested.

Improved Crystallization Quality of FAPbBr3 Single Crystals by a Seeded Solution Method

Solution-grown hybrid perovskite, FAPbBr₃, has attracted great attentions recently due to its inspiring optoelectronic properties and low-cost preparation method. However, challenges of solution growth for FAPbBr₃ bulk crystals remain yet, such as uncontrollable crystalline morphologies, irregular shapes, and limited crystal sizes, which are attributed to the dense crystallization nucleus. In this work, we investigate the effects of growth conditions and seed behaviors on the crystallization quality and the yield of FAPbBr₃ single crystals. First, the spontaneous nucleation is tailored by optimizing the precursor concentration and heating rate. Furthermore, the seeded crystals are introduced to solve the issues related to the morphology and the yield of single crystals. Based on the above-mentioned investigations, an optimized growth method, a seeded solution method, under a heating rate of 0.1 °C/h is proposed, and centimeter-scale FAPbBr₃ single crystals with a very narrow FWHM of high-resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curves and a high yield of ∼100% of single crystals are obtained. The resulting FAPbBr₃ single crystal exhibits a bulk resistivity of 3.42 × 10⁹ Ω·cm and a superior I_ON/I_OFF ratio over 10⁴ under 405 nm light at a bias of 10 V. Finally, the pulse height spectra with an energy resolution of ∼21.4% are also achieved based on an AZO/FAPbBr₃/Au detector, illuminated using an uncollimated ²⁴¹Am@5.49 MeV α-particle source at room temperature. This modified seeded solution method shows great potential in preparing high-quality and high-yield perovskite single crystals.

Ultraviolet-to-infrared broadband photodetector and imaging application based on a perovskite single crystal

The organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite CH₃NH₃PbBr₃(MAPbBr₃) has been well developed in the X-ray to visible light band due to its superior optoelectronic properties, but this material is rarely studied in the infrared band. In this paper, a UV-NIR broadband optical detector based on MAPbBr₃ single crystal is studied, and the response range can reach the near-infrared region. In the visible light band, the optical response of the device is mainly caused by the photoelectric effect; in the near-infrared band, the optical response of the device is mainly caused by the thermal effect. The carrier response of MAPbBr₃ material under different wavelengths of light was investigated using a non-contact measurement method (optical pump terahertz (THz) probe spectroscopy). This paper also builds a set of photoelectric sensor array components, and successfully realizes the conversion of optical image signals to electrical image signals in the visible light band and infrared band. The experimental results show that MAPbBr₃ crystals provide a new possibility for UV-NIR broadband photodetectors.

Perovskite Dimensional Evolution Through Cations Engineering to Tailor the Detection Limit in Hard X-ray Response

Halide perovskites with various compositions are potential candidates in low-dosage X-ray detection due to their large sensitivity and tunable optoelectronic properties. Here, cations engineering induced dimensional evolution of halide perovskites between 0D, 2D, and 3D is reported. Centimeter-sized 2D lead-free perovskite single-crystal of 4-fluorophenethylammonium antimony iodide (FPEA₃ SbI₆ ) is synthesized. In contrast to the 0D phenethylammonium antimony iodide (PEA₃ Sb₂ I₉ ), face-shared [Sb₂ I₉ ]^3- of the bi-octahedral structure of PEA₃ Sb₂ I₉ is split into corner-shared [SbI₆ ]^3- by intermolecular interactions and steric hindrance of FPEA⁺ ions in 2D FPEA₃ SbI₆ . Two Sb³⁺ ions share three octahedral [SbI₆ ]^3- , leaving one-third of Sb³⁺ vacancies in the framework of FPEA₃ SbI₆ . Furthermore, Sn²⁺ ions can be filled into the vacancies to form continuous 2D frameworks to tune the anisotropic conductivity and device sensitivity to hard X-rays. The dimensional evolution of perovskite single-crystals from 3D to 2D or 0D to 2D maximizes the signal/noise ratio to facilize the adjustability of detection limit in hard X-ray detection, which is determined by both device sensitivity and device noise current. A record low detection limit coefficient of 0.65 is achieved in the 2D FPEA₃ SbSn_0.5 I₇ single-crystal sample, which results from selective charges collection over mobile ions/noise current in the 2D perovskite structure.

Efficient Eco-Friendly Flexible X-ray Detectors Based on Molecular Perovskite

Next-generation wearable electronics requires mechanical robustness. In addition to the previously reported eco-friendliness, low cost, and light weight of molecular perovskites, flexibility is also a desired merit for their practical use. Here we design a flexible X-ray detector based on a novel molecular perovskite, DABCO-CsBr₃ (DABCO = N-N'-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium), which is the missing link between metal-free molecular perovskites A(NH₄)X₃ (A = divalent organic ammoniums) and conventional metal halide based ABX₃ (B = divalent metal cations) perovskites. DABCO-CsBr₃ inherits its band nature from A(NH₄)X₃, while it exhibits a stronger stopping power. DABCO-CsBr₃ shows potential for high-performance ionizing radiation detectors due to low dark current, low ion migration, and an efficient mobility-lifetime (μτ) product. Finally, a molecular-perovskite-based flexible X-ray detector is demonstrated on the basis of the DABCO-CsBr₃/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite, with a sensitivity of 106.7 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2. This work enriches the molecular perovskite family and highlights the promise of molecular perovskites for the next-generation eco-friendly and wearable optoelectronic devices.

Recent advances in lead-free double perovskites for x-ray and photodetection

Over the last decade, lead halide perovskites have attracted significant research attention in the field of photovoltaics, light-emitting devices, photodetection, ionizing radiation detection, etc, owing to their outstanding optoelectrical properties. However, the commercial applications of lead-based perovskite devices are restricted due to the poor ambient stability and toxicity of lead. The encapsulation of lead-based devices can reduce the possible leakage of lead. However, it is hard to ensure safety during large-scale production and long-term storage. Recently, considerable efforts have been made to design lead-free perovskites for different optoelectronic applications. Metal halide double perovskites with the general formula of A₂M^IM^IIIX₆or A₂M^IVX₆could be potentially considered as green and stable alternatives for different optoelectronic applications. In this review article, we focus on the recent progress and findings on lead-free halide double perovskites for x-ray and UV-vis photodetection applications. Lead-free halide double perovskite has recently drawn a great deal of attention for superior x-ray detection due to its high absorption coefficient, large carrier mobility-lifetime product, and large bulk resistance. In addition, these materials exhibit good performance in photodetection in the UV-vis region due to high photocarrier generation and efficient carrier separation. In this review, first, we define the characteristics of lead-free double perovskite materials. The fundamental characteristics and beneficial properties of halide perovskites for direct and indirect x-ray detection are then discussed. We comprehensively review recent developments and efforts on lead-free double perovskite for x-ray detection and UV-vis photodetection. We bring out the current challenges and opportunities in the field and finally present the future outlook for developing lead-free double perovskite-based x-ray and UV-vis photodetectors for practical applications.

Electrode Spacing as a Determinant of the Output Performance of Planar-Type Photodetectors Based on Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Single Crystals

Methylammonium lead bromide is a very perspective hybrid semiconductor material, suitable for high-sensitive, filter-free photodetection of electromagnetic radiation. Herein, we studied the effect of electrode spacing on the output performance and stability of planar-type photodetectors based on high-quality MAPbBr₃ single crystals. Such crystals, as large as 4.5×4.5×1.2 mm³ were synthesized via the inverse temperature crystallization method and were further used for the fabrication of planar Au/MAPbBr₃/Au photodetectors with variable electrode spacing (in the range between 125 and 25 μm). We report that the electrode spacing has a profound impact on photocurrent densities and key detector parameters (responsivity R, external quantum efficiency EQE, and specific detectivity D*). In the studied fivefold electrode spacing, the photocurrent density increased over 4 times, with decreasing active area of the devices. This effect is attributed to intrinsic photocurrent amplification. Based on the transient photocurrent measurements and calculated key parameters, we determined the device sample with the best output performance. The champion sample with an electrode spacing of 50 μm exhibited great detection ability, especially for a low light intensity of 200 nWcm^-2, for which we calculated the R of 19.55 A W^-1, EQE of 4253%, and D* of 3.42 × 10¹² Jones (cm Hz^1/2 W^-1). Moreover, the functional stability of this device showed a minimal reduction of photodetection ability after 2000 cycles, which makes it very promising for the next generation of optoelectronic devices.

Ultralow Detection Limit and Robust Hard X-ray Imaging Detector Based on Inch-Sized Lead-Free Perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 Single Crystals

Halide perovskites are promising candidates for soft X-ray detection (<80 keV) owing to their high X-ray absorption coefficient, resistivity, and mobility lifetime product. However, the lack of large high-quality single crystals (SCs) renders it challenging to manufacture robust hard X-ray imaging systems (>100 keV) with a low detection limit and stable dark current. Herein, high-quality inch-size two-dimensional (2D) Cs₃Bi₂Br₉ (CBB) single crystals are grown from a melt via the Bridgman method. The crystal quality is enhanced by eliminating inclusions of CsBr-rich phases and restraining the trap-state density, leading to an enhanced resistivity of 1.41 × 10¹² Ω cm and a mobility lifetime product of 8.32 × 10^-4 cm² V^-1. The Au/CBB/Au single-crystal device exhibits a high sensitivity of 1705 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2 in all-inorganic bismuth-based perovskites and an ultralow detection limit of 0.58 nGy_air s^-1 in all of the bismuth-based perovskites for 120 keV hard X-ray detection. The CBB detector exhibits high work stability with an ultralow dark current drift of 2.8 × 10^-10 nA cm^-1 s^-1 V^-1 and long-term air environment reliability under a high electric field of 10 000 V cm^-1 owing to the ultrahigh ionic activation energy of the 2D structure. The proposed robust imaging system based on CBB SC is a promising tool for X-ray medical imaging and diagnostics.

Physical Properties of Candidate X-Ray Detector Material Rb4Ag2BiBr9

Recently, metal halide perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductor candidates for sensitive X-ray photon detection due to their suitable bandgap energies, excellent charge transport properties, and low material cost afforded by their low-temperature solution-processing preparation. Here, we report an improved methodology for single crystal (SC) growth, thermal and electrical properties of a two-dimensional (2D) layered halide material Rb₄Ag₂BiBr₉, which has been identified as a potential candidate for X-ray radiation detection applications. The measured heat capacity for Rb₄Ag₂BiBr₉ implies that there are no structural phase transitions upon cooling. Temperature dependence of thermal transport measurements further suggest remarkably low thermal conductivities of Rb₄Ag₂BiBr₉ that are comparable to the lowest reported in literature. The bulk crystal resistivity is determined to be 2.59×10⁹ Ω·cm from the current-voltage (I-V) curve. Density of trap states are estimated to be ~10¹⁰ cm^-3 using the space-charge-limited-current (SCLC) measurements. The fabricated Rb₄Ag₂BiBr₉-based X-ray detector shows good operational stability with no apparent current drift, which may be ascribed to the 2D crystal structure of Rb₄Ag₂BiBr₉. Finally, by varying the X-ray tube current to change the corresponding dose rate, the Rb₄Ag₂BiBr₉ X-ray detector sensitivity is determined to be 222.03 uCGy^-1cm^-2 (at an electric field of E = 24 V/mm).

Fine-control-valve of halide perovskite single crystal quality for high performance X-ray detection

Halide perovskite single crystals (HPSCs) provide a unique platform to study the optoelectronic properties of such emerging semiconductor materials, while the temperature induced crystal growth method often has an increased solute integration speed and/or unavoidable solute consumption, resulting in a soaring or slumping crystal growth rate of HPSCs. Here, we developed a universal and facile solvent-volatilization-limited-growth (SVG) strategy to finely control the crystal growth rate by the fine-control-valve for high quality crystal grown through solution processes. The grown HPSCs by SVG method exhibited a record low trap density of 2.8 × 10⁸ cm^-3 and a high charge carrier mobility-lifetime product (μτ product) of 0.021 cm²/V, indicating the excellent crystal quality. The crystal surface defects were further passivated by oxygen suppliers as Lewis base, which led to a reduction of surface leakage current by two times when using for low dose rate X-ray detection. Such HPSC X-ray detector displayed a high sensitivity of 1274 µC/(Gy_air cm²) with a lowest detectable dose rate of 0.56 μGy_air/s under 120 keV hard X-ray. Further applications including alloy composition analysis and metal flaw detection by HPSC detectors were also demonstrated, which not only shows the bright future for product quality inspection and non-destructive materials analysis, but also paves the way for growing high quality single crystals and fabricating polycrystalline films.

Growth and Characterisation of Layered (BA)2CsAgBiBr7 Double Perovskite Single Crystals for Application in Radiation Sensing

A recent publication on single crystals of two-dimensional, layered organic–inorganic (BA)2CsAgBiBr7 double perovskite (BA+ = CH3CH23NH3+) suggested the great potential of this semiconductor material in the detection of X-ray radiation. Our powder XRD measurement confirms the crystallinity and purity of all samples that crystallise in the monoclinic space group P21/m, while the single crystal XRD measurements reveal the dominant {001} lattice planes. The structure–property relationship is reflected in the lower resistivity values determined from the van der Pauw measurements (1.65–9.16 × 1010 Ωcm) compared to those determined from the IV measurements (4.19 × 1011–2.67 × 1012 Ωcm). The density of trap states and charge-carrier mobilities, which are determined from the IV measurements, are 1.12–1.76 × 1011 cm–3 and 10−5–10−4 cm2V–1s–1, respectively. The X-ray photoresponse measurements indicate that the (BA)2CsAgBiBr7 samples synthesised in this study satisfy the requirements for radiation sensors. Further advances in crystal growth are required to reduce the density of defects and improve the performance of single crystals.

Flexible Lead-Free X-ray Detector from Metal-Organic Frameworks

Semiconductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) obtained by specific host-guest interactions have attracted a large interest in the last two decades, promising development of next-generation electronic devices. Herein, we designed and presented flexible X-ray detectors using Ni-DABDT (DABDT = 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzenedithiol dihydrochloride) MOFs as the absorbing layer. The π-d coupling interactions of Ni-DABDT throughout the framework implement a conspicuous carrier transportation pathway. The detector that converts X-ray photons directly into carriers manifests an attractive achievement with high detection sensitivity of 98.6 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2, with a low detection limit of 7.2 μGy_air s^-1 for the radiation robustness. This work provides insights for next-generation green and high-performance flexible sensor detectors by utilizing MOF materials with the benefits of a designable structure and tunable property, demonstrating a proof-of-concept in wearable X-ray detectors for radiation monitoring and imaging.

Cu-based metal-organic frameworks for highly sensitive X-ray detectors

Here, we constructed Pb-free Cu-DABDT-MOFs-based (DABDT = 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzenedithiol) X-ray detectors. Combined with the advantage of high activation energy, the Cu-DABDT-MOFs-based detector can effectively generate and capture electrons under X-ray exposure and presents a high mobility-lifetime (μτ) product of 6.49 × 10^-4 cm² V^-1 and promising detection sensitivity of 78.7 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2. As groundbreaking work, these discoveries have provided information for exploring MOF materials toward green and high-performance high-energy radiation detectors by exploiting the designable structure and tunable properties of the MOF family.

Lead halide perovskite quantum dots based liquid scintillator for x-ray detection

Lead halide quantum dots (QDs) have unique optical properties such as a tunable wavelength, narrow band, and high quantum efficiency, and have been used in optoelectronics such as light-emitting diode device, and photodetector. Recently, solution-processed perovskite has also attracted great attention for high sensitivity x-ray detector. Here, we have investigated the scintillation performances of Pb halide perovskite QDs solution. Both CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ and CsPbBr₃ QDs liquid scintillator exhibits the scintillation performances such as the linear relationship with the irradiation dose rate in a wide range, high radiation hardness, thermal stability, and fast counting speed. The scintillation performances of these liquid perovskite QDs solution provide a promising potential application for indirect radiation applications including fast gamma-ray counter and wide range dosimeter.

Solution-Grown Formamidinium Hybrid Perovskite (FAPbBr3) Single Crystals for α-Particle and γ-Ray Detection at Room Temperature

Compared with the widely reported MAPbBr₃ single crystals, formamidinium-based (FA-based) hybrid perovskites FAPbBr₃ (FPB) with superior chemical and structure stability are expected to be more efficient and perform as more reliable radiation detectors at room temperature. Here, we employ an improved inverse temperature crystallization method to grow FPB bulk single crystals, where issues associated with the retrograde solubility behavior are resolved. A crystal growth phase diagram has been proposed, and accordingly, growth parameters are optimized to avoid the formation of NH₄Pb₂Br₅ secondary phase. The resulting FPB crystals exhibit a high resistivity of 2.8 × 10⁹ Ω·cm and high electron and hole mobility-lifetime products (μτ) of 8.0 × 10^-4 and 1.1 × 10^-3 cm²·V^-1, respectively. Simultaneously, the electron and hole mobilities (μ) are evaluated to be 22.2 and 66.1 cm²·V^-1·s^-1, respectively, based on the time-of-flight technique. Furthermore, a Au/FPB SC/Au detector is constructed that demonstrates a resolvable gamma peak from 59.5 keV ²⁴¹Am γ-rays at room temperature for the first time. An energy resolution of 40.1% is obtained at 30 V by collecting the hole signals. These results demonstrate the great potential of FAPbBr₃ as a hybrid material for γ-ray spectroscopy and imaging.

Triple-Cation and Mixed-Halide Perovskite Single Crystal for High-Performance X-ray Imaging

Low ionic migration is required for a semiconductor material to realize stable high-performance X-ray detection. In this work, successful controlled incorporation of not only methylammonium (MA⁺ ) and cesium (Cs⁺ ) cations, but also bromine (Br^- ) anions into the FAPbI₃ lattice to grow inch-sized stable perovskite single crystal (FAMACs SC) is reported. The smaller cations and anions, comparing to the original FA⁺ and I^- help release lattice stress so that the FAMACs SC shows lower ion migration, enhanced hardness, lower trap density, longer carrier lifetime and diffusion length, higher charge mobility and thermal stability, and better uniformity. Therefore, X-ray detectors made of the superior FAMACs SCs show the highest sensitivity of (3.5 ± 0.2) × 10⁶ μC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 , about 29 times higher than the latest record of 1.22 × 10⁵ μC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 for polycrystalline MAPbI₃ wafer under the same 40 keV X-ray radiation. Furthermore, the FAMACs SC X-ray detector shows a low detection limit of 42 nGy s^-1 , stable dark current, and photocurrent response. Finally, it is demonstrated that high contrast X-ray imaging is realized using the FAMACs SC detector. The effective triple-cation mixed halide strategy and the high crystalline quality make the present FAMACs SCs promising for next-generation X-ray imaging systems.

Evaporated Perovskite Thick Junctions for X-Ray Detection

X-ray detection is widely utilized in our daily life, such as in medical diagnosis, security checking, and environmental monitoring. However, most of the commercial X-ray detectors are based on inorganic semiconductors, e.g., Si, CdTe, and Ge, which require complex and costly fabrication processes. Metal halide perovskites have recently emerged as a set of promising candidates for ionizing radiation detection, owing to the high attenuation coefficient, long carrier lifetime, and excellent charge transport properties. Perovskite single crystals have been successfully implemented in X-ray detection, but the fragile single crystals limit the device fabrication and the integration with a read-out circuit. In addition, it is hard to reach inch-size single crystals for real application. Flexible devices based on perovskite films or composite films have also been reported, but either the thickness or charge transport properties are limited by the solution processes. In this work, we introduced thermal co-evaporation to deposit highly efficient formamidinium lead iodide perovskite films. Considering the trade-off between X-ray absorption and charge transport, we optimized the active layer thickness and achieved large-area and flexible X-ray detectors with state-of-the-art device performance, including extremely low dark current and noise, fast response, and high sensitivity of 142.1 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2.

Highly Sensitive and Stable X-ray Detector Based on a 0D Structural Cs4PbI6 Single Crystal

Lead halide perovskite single crystals with a high X-ray stopping power and large μτ product have been successfully used for X-ray detection. However, poor air stability and ionic migration lead to the degradation of the devices for long-term operations. Here, we report a solution-processed lead 0D bulk Cs₄PbI₆ single crystal, which have I atoms in isolated [PbI₆]^4-. This 0D Cs₄PbI₆ single crystal has a μτ product of 9.7 × 10^-4 cm² V^-1 and an activation energy of 321.28 meV. We have fabricated a photoconductor device with a symmetric Au/Cs₄PbI₆/Au sandwich structure, which exhibits a high sensitivity of 451.49 μC Gy^-1 cm^-2 under 30 keV X-ray irradiation at an applied voltage of 30 V. After storing the device in air at room temperature for three months, the device retains nearly the same sensitivity as the original. These results demonstrate that this 0D Cs₄PbI₆ perovskite single crystal has great potential for practical X-ray detection applications.

Photodiodes based on a MAPbBr3/Bi3+-doped MAPbCl3 single crystals heterojunction for the X-ray detection

The epitaxially fabricated MAPbBr₃/Bi³⁺-doped MAPbCl₃ PSCs pN heterojunction shows advanced X-ray detection performance with decreased dark current density and faster response time under relatively high external reverse voltage.

Single Crystal CdSe X-ray Detectors with Ultra-High Sensitivity and Low Detection Limit

CdSe single crystals (SCs), with a relatively high atomic number, large X-ray absorption coefficients, and high carrier mobility, are expected to provide high-performance detection for X-ray. However, the difficulty of growing high-quality CdSe SC has severely limited its application in X-ray detection. In this work, we develop an unconstrained physical gas phase method and in situ annealing process to grow high-quality CdSe SCs under unconstrained conditions. Using this method, CdSe SCs exhibit natural exposure planes, ultrahigh resistivity of 5.43 × 10¹² to 1.29 × 10¹³ Ω cm and high μτ product of 1.3 × 10^-2 to 1.5 × 10^-2 cm² V^-1. It is also observed that CdSe SC X-ray detectors exhibit a record sensitivity of 2.08 × 10⁵ μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2 and a low detection limit of 85 nGy_air s^-1, which are both desired in medical diagnostics. Moreover, those devices with different crystal directions provide anisotropic X-ray detection performance. Our findings pave a new avenue to exploit high-performance CdSe SC X-ray detectors.

Anisotropic Performance of High-Quality MAPbBr3 Single-Crystal Wafers

It has been proved that bulk single crystals of a halide perovskite behave much better than its polycrystalline counterparts in multiple application scenarios. Thus, the growth of large-sized and high-quality single crystals is significant to guarantee their ultimate device performances. Here, based on our recently invented settled temperature and controlled antisolvent diffusion system, improvements achieved in this work include the following: (1) We modified the growth system to optimize the control over both mass and heat transport to alleviate defect formation. State-of-the-art-quality MAPbBr₃ crystals were grown, and from the bulk crystals, differently oriented crystalline wafers were fabricated with the full width at half-maximum of X-ray rocking curves of 40-86 arcsec. (2) The optical band gaps revealed no anisotropy on differently oriented wafers, whereas the refractive index and extinction coefficient exhibited obvious anisotropy. (3) Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectra demonstrate distinct in-plane anisotropy on (100) and (110) wafers but not on the (111) wafer. The equilibrium MA⁺ orientations are deduced to adopt the <111> direction with the antiparallel MA⁺ orientation between adjacent domains. (4) Radiation detectors fabricated on differently oriented wafers proved photoresponse anisotropy to both visible and X-ray radiation, following a general order of (100) > (110) > (111). Because anisotropy is an inevitable issue for various applications employing crystalline materials, this study, based on the clarification of the debatable intrinsic dipole configuration in the pseudocubic crystal lattice, will provide quantitative information on physicochemical property anisotropy and subsequently facilitate optimization of device performance referring to crystal orientations of halide perovskite crystals.

Metal Halide Perovskites for High-Energy Radiation Detection

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as a frontrunner semiconductor technology for application in third generation photovoltaics while simultaneously making significant strides in other areas of optoelectronics. Photodetectors are one of the latest additions in an expanding list of applications of this fascinating family of materials. The extensive range of possible inorganic and hybrid perovskites coupled with their processing versatility and ability to convert external stimuli into easily measurable optical/electrical signals makes them an auspicious sensing element even for the high-energy domain of the electromagnetic spectrum. Key to this is the ability of MHPs to accommodate heavy elements while being able to form large, high-quality crystals and polycrystalline layers, making them one of the most promising emerging X-ray and γ-ray detector technologies. Here, the fundamental principles of high-energy radiation detection are reviewed with emphasis on recent progress in the emerging and fascinating field of metal halide perovskite-based X-ray and γ-ray detectors. The review starts with a discussion of the basic principles of high-energy radiation detection with focus on key performance metrics followed by a comprehensive summary of the recent progress in the field of perovskite-based detectors. The article concludes with a discussion of the remaining challenges and future perspectives.

Preparation of Lead-free Two-Dimensional-Layered (C8H17NH3)2SnBr4 Perovskite Scintillators and Their Application in X-ray Imaging

Scintillators, as spectral and energy transformers, are essential for X-ray imaging applications. However, their current disadvantages, including high-temperature sintering and generation of agglomerated powders or large bulk crystals, may not meet the increasing demands of low cost, nontoxicity, and flexible radiation detection. Thus, improved perovskite scintillators are developed in this research. A hybrid perovskite ((C₈H₁₇NH₃)₂SnBr₄), which is nontoxic, lead-free, and organic-inorganic, is developed as a scintillator with good emission performance and radioluminescence intensity. These perovskite scintillators are synthesized at low temperatures in an aqueous acid solution, through which they generate a near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield of 98% with the excitation of ultraviolet light. As far as we know, this work is the first to show that the two-dimensional (2D) (C₈H₁₇NH₃)₂SnBr₄ perovskite scintillator films prepared by coating a polymer layer can be applied to an X-ray imaging system. The results demonstrate that the low cost X-ray imaging device with good resolution and performance benefits dramatically from this lead-free organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite film. Therefore, this 2D-layered (C₈H₁₇NH₃)₂SnBr₄ perovskite scintillator may be a high potential candidate for scintillating material for X-ray imaging techniques.

Flexible Inkjet-Printed Triple Cation Perovskite X-ray Detectors

Flexible direct conversion X-ray detectors enable a variety of novel applications in medicine, industry, and science. Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductors containing elements of high atomic number combine an efficient X-ray absorption with excellent charge transport properties. Due to their additional cost-effective and low-temperature processability, perovskite semiconductors represent promising candidates to be used as active materials in flexible X-ray detectors. Inspired by the promising results recently reported on X-ray detectors that are based on either triple cation perovskites or inkjet-printed perovskite quantum dots, we here investigate flexible inkjet-printed triple cation perovskite X-ray detectors. The performance of the detectors is evaluated by the X-ray sensitivity, the dark current, and the X-ray stability. Exposed to 70 kVp X-ray radiation, reproducible and highly competitive X-ray sensitivities of up to 59.9 μC/(Gy_aircm²) at low operating voltages of 0.1 V are achieved. Furthermore, a significant dark current reduction is demonstrated in our detectors by replacing spin-coated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with sputtered NiO_x hole transport layers. Finally, stable operation of a flexible X-ray detector for a cumulative X-ray exposure of 4 Gy_air is presented, and the applicability of our devices as X-ray imaging detectors is shown. The results of this study represent a proof of concept toward flexible direct conversion X-ray detectors realized by cost-effective and high-throughput digital inkjet printing.

Rubidium Doping to Enhance Carrier Transport in CsPbBr3 Single Crystals for High-Performance X-Ray Detection

The direct band gap CsPbBr₃ perovskite is regarded as a promising alternative for low-cost and high-performance X-ray radiation detectors. Despite the fact that CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals have been shown to be good scintillators in the indirect conversion mode, the direct X-ray conversion with CsPbBr₃ single crystals is expected to yield higher spatial resolution. Here, rubidium (Rb) doping is demonstrated to be an efficient approach to improve carrier transport and X-ray detection performance in the direct-conversion X-ray detectors based on Cs_(1-x)Rb_xPbBr₃ single crystals. Electrical properties' characterizations as combined with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements have revealed that Rb doping in Cs_(1-x)Rb_xPbBr₃ single crystals can enhance the atomic interaction and orbital coupling between Pb and Br atoms, leading to an enhancement of carrier transport and X-ray detection performance. X-ray detectors based on a small amount (0.037%) of Rb-doped Cs_(1-x)Rb_xPbBr₃ single crystals exhibited a high X-ray sensitivity of 8097 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2. This work offers a feasible strategy to improve the X-ray detection performance by chemical doping in all-inorganic perovskite X-ray detectors.