Organic semiconducting single crystals as solid-state sensors for ionizing radiation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Physics
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Organic semiconductors have primarily been used in indirect conversion detectors for ionizing radiation, acting as scintillators or photodiodes.
• Indirect conversion methods involve multiple steps, potentially reducing signal-to-noise ratio and increasing response time.
• Direct conversion offers a more efficient approach by converting ionizing radiation directly into an electrical signal within a single device.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Organic Semiconducting Single Crystals (OSSCs) as intrinsic direct ionizing radiation detectors.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using low-cost, solution-grown OSSCs for X-ray detection.
• To evaluate the performance of these organic detectors under various conditions, including ambient atmosphere and high radiation environments.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of X-ray detectors utilizing solution-grown Organic Semiconducting Single Crystals (OSSCs).
• Characterization of detector performance, including stability, response linearity, and operational temperature.
• Testing the detectors' response to varying dose rates in ambient and high-radiation conditions.

Main Results:

• OSSCs demonstrated effective direct conversion of ionizing radiation into electrical signals.
• The developed organic X-ray detectors operated stably at room temperature.
• A consistent, linear response was observed with increasing radiation dose rates.

Conclusions:

• Organic Semiconducting Single Crystals (OSSCs) are suitable for direct ionizing radiation detection.
• These OSSC-based detectors offer advantages such as stability, good transport properties, and large interaction volume.
• The technology presents a promising low-cost alternative for X-ray detection in various environments.