Centimeter-Sized Anthracene Single Crystals for Low-Dose X-Ray Detection via Tailored Bridgman Growth

Abstract

Organic scintillators offer compelling advantages for next-generation radiation detection, including low-cost solution processing, mechanical flexibility, and tunable optoelectronic properties. However, their inherent low atomic numbers and the persistent challenge of growing large, high-quality single crystals have critically hindered X-ray sensitivity and practical deployment. Here, we overcome these limitations through a rational Bridgman growth strategy yielding centimeter-scale anthracene single crystals with unprecedented structural and optoelectronic properties. Our sealed ampoule design, featuring a conical tip for controlled seeding and effective vapor suppression, enables the stable growth of bulk anthracene crystals under optimized thermal gradients. Comprehensive characterization confirms exceptional crystallinity, phase purity, minimal defects, and negligible self-absorption. These crystals achieve excellent scintillation properties, including a low Xray detection limit of 0.347 μGy s -1 (15-20 times below typical diagnostic doses), high radiation-induced luminescence sensitivity, a rapid decay time of 4.41 ns, and outstanding operational stability under continuous irradiation and ambient conditions. Integrated into direct X-ray detectors exhibit a high sensitivity of 1830 μC Gy -1 cm -2 and an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 22.85 nGy s -1 . This work establishes a robust pathway for scalable organic crystal growth and positions anthracene as a premier candidate for low-dose X-ray detections.