Highly sensitive X-ray detector based on a β-Ga₂O₃:Fe single crystal

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Semiconductor Physics
• Radiation Detection

Background:

• Beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) possesses a wide band gap and high radiation resistance, making it suitable for radiation detection.
• Challenges exist in developing β-Ga2O3-based X-ray detectors with high sensitivity, fast response, and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a high-performance X-ray detector using iron-doped β-Ga2O3 (β-Ga2O3:Fe).
• To investigate the potential of β-Ga2O3:Fe for advanced X-ray radiation detection.

Main Methods:

• Growth of high-resistivity β-Ga2O3:Fe crystal using the float-zone method.
• Fabrication of the detector with vertical Ti/Au electrodes on the β-Ga2O3:Fe crystal.
• Characterization of the detector's electrical and performance properties.

Main Results:

• The β-Ga2O3:Fe crystal achieved a resistivity exceeding 10^12 Ω cm due to Fe ion compensation.
• The detector exhibited a short response time of 0.2 s.
• High sensitivity (75.3 µC Gyair⁻¹ cm⁻²) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (100) were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed β-Ga2O3:Fe X-ray detector demonstrates excellent performance characteristics.
• This technology shows significant promise for applications in X-ray radiation detection, medical imaging, and nuclear physics.