Cesium lead bromide semiconductor radiation detectors: crystal growth, detector performance and polarization

Cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) is an upcoming semiconductor radiation detector that has the potential to match the detection properties of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and thallium bromide (TlBr). In this paper, we report on CsPbBr3 gamma detectors with an uncorrected energy resolution of 2% at 662 keV with photopeak-to-Compton ratios as high as 14.3 and hole mobility-lifetime products (mu tau(h)) as high as 1.7 x 10(-2) cm(2) V-1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the processes employed for material purification and crystal growth of high-performing devices are scalable, and large (up to 65 mm in diameter) ultrahigh purity CsPbBr3 crystals have been successfully grown. Using optimized growth conditions and detector fabrication processes, we were able to mitigate the polarization problem where it was revealed that the polarization process is highly dependent on the crystal quality and the electric field direction with respect to the orientation of the crystal.

Automated summary

This paper reports on the performance and fabrication processes of CsPbBr3 γ detectors, demonstrating good energy resolution and photopeak-to-Compton ratio. Large size ultrahigh purity CsPbBr3 crystals have been successfully grown, and the polarization problem has been mitigated.