Detection of X-ray photons by solution-processed lead halide perovskites

Abstract

<p class="first" id="P1">The evolution of real-time medical diagnostic tools such as angiography and computer tomography from radiography based on photographic plates was enabled by the development of integrated solid-state X-ray photon detectors, based on conventional solid-state semiconductors. Recently, for optoelectronic devices operating in the visible and near infrared spectral regions, solution-processed organic and inorganic semiconductors have also attracted immense attention. Here we demonstrate a possibility to use such inexpensive semiconductors for sensitive detection of X-ray photons by direct photon-to-current conversion. In particular, methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (CH ₃NH ₃PbI ₃) offers a compelling combination of fast photoresponse and a high absorption cross-section for X-rays, owing to the heavy Pb and I atoms. Solution processed photodiodes as well as photoconductors are presented, exhibiting high values of X-ray sensitivity (up to 25 µC mGy _air ^-1 cm ^-3) and responsivity (1.9×10 ⁴ carriers/photon), which are commensurate with those obtained by the current solid-state technology. </p>