Perovskite materials: from single crystals to radiation detection

Abstract

Advanced radiation detector materials have played a significant role in many fields including medical imaging, environmental survey, industry monitoring, nondestructive inspection, homeland security, nonproliferation verification, astrophysics observations and nuclear physics. Recently, perovskite materials have attracted strong interest as an emerging radiation detector material thanks to their high stopping power to ionizing radiation, high mobility-lifetime product for appealing charge transport properties, and especially low production cost for cost-effective manufacturing. In this highlight, we first introduce the required properties of detector materials for high-energy radiation detection. Then, we summarize the latest progress of some representative perovskite materials, especially lead (Pb)- and bismuth (Bi)-based perovskite crystals, for detecting high-energy radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays. A detailed comparison is offered based on their physical properties and their performance for radiation detection. Lastly, the current challenges and unique opportunities are discussed to further the development of perovskite materials in this emerging research area.