Cesium Lead Bromide (CsPbBr3) Thin‐Film‐Based Solid‐State Neutron Detector Developed by a Solution‐Free Sublimation Process

Abstract

The majority of solid-state radiation sensors are predominantly single crystals. However, for low-cost and large-area device applications, thin films are a better option. The first evidence of neutron detection using a Gallium Oxide/Cesium Lead Bromide (Ga2O3/CsPbBr3) solid-state diode enabled by an innovative close space sublimation (CSS) method that allows deposition of thick CsPbBr3 films is demonstrated. Furthermore, indirect neutron sensing is achieved using a B-10 layer for diodes biased at voltages as low as -5 V, showing the potential for low-power operation. The neutron response is enabled by the low leakage current (approximate to 10(-8) A mm(-2)), rectification of approximate to 10(4), capacitance as low as 15 pF, and fast response of the Ga2O3/CsPbBr3 diode. The superior performance of the CsPbBr3 is due to the phase purity, stoichiometry control, and large single-grain columnar growth of the films obtained by the CSS method.