Robustness and Versatility of CsPbBr3 Perovskite Detectors in Extreme Radiation Environments

The burgeoning field of radiation detection has witnessed a significant interest in semiconductors that can operate under harsh conditions and high photon fluxes. We present a comprehensive study on CsPbBr3, a perovskite-based semiconductor, showcasing its potential as a robust and cost-effective alternative to conventional Cd1-xZnxTe (CZT) detectors. Our research reveals that CsPbBr3 detectors demonstrate minimal degradation even after exposure to 1 Mrad of Co-60 gamma radiation, maintaining high energy resolution and hole mobility. Many of these detectors also continue to function after a 10 Mrad dose over 3 days, indicating that device failure is more likely related to electrode-material interactions rather than intrinsic material degradation. I will also present the behavior of these detectors under extreme x-ray flux conditions. Utilizing ultrahigh flux synchrotron x-rays and advanced pump-and-probe techniques, we examine the polarization effects and discover their correlation with deep defects generated by intense radiation. Importantly, we find that the polarization can be mitigated by stronger applied electric fields and reduced carrier traps. Additionally, we employ thermally stimulated current spectroscopy to identify trap states and their impact on performance. Our findings suggest that CsPbBr3 detectors fabricated with low defect concentrations (<1 x 10^14 cm^-3) show appreciable performance and stability. Another remarkable aspect of our research is the use of solution-processed perovskites for hard X-ray and gamma-ray detection. These solution-grown CsPbBr3 detectors display excellent photocurrent linearity and sensitivity, even under ultrahigh x-ray fluxes, substantiating their wide applicability in high-flux environments. Comparisons between solution-grown and melt-grown crystals reveal comparable performance in terms of defect concentration and overall detector efficacy. There is a compelling case emerging for the use of CsPbBr3-based detectors in a variety of high-stress applications, ranging from industrial settings to space explorations while highlighting strategies for further optimizing these promising materials.