CsPbBr3 perovskite detectors with 1.4% energy resolution for high-energy γ-rays

Halide perovskite semiconductors are poised to revitalize the field of ionizing radiation detection as they have done to solar photovoltaics. We show that all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 devices resolve Cs-137 662-keV gamma-rays with 1.4% energy resolution, as well as other X- and gamma-rays with energies ranging from tens of keV to over 1MeV in ambipolar sensing and unipolar hole-only sensing modes with crystal volumes of 6.65 mm 3 and 297 mm(3), respectively. We report the scale-up of CsPbBr3 ingots to up to 1.5 inches in diameter with an excellent hole mobility-lifetime product of 8 x 10(-3) cm(2) V-1 and a long hole lifetime of up to 296 mu s. CsPbBr3 detectors demonstrate a wide temperature region from -2 degrees C to -70 degrees C for stable operation. Detectors protected with suitable encapsulants show a uniform response for over 18 months. Consequently, we identify perovskite CsPbBr3 semiconductor as an exceptional candidate for new-generation high-energy gamma-ray detection.

Automated summary

Halide perovskite semiconductors, specifically CsPbBr3, demonstrate exceptional performance in high-energy gamma-ray detection, with features such as excellent energy resolution, scale-up of crystal volumes, and long lifetime, making them promising candidates for next-generation radiation detectors.