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

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 made from 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 a great deal of attention. Here, we demonstrate a possibility to use such inexpensive semiconductors for the sensitive detection of X-ray photons by direct photon-to-current conversion. In particular, methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) 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 mGyair−1 cm−3) and responsivity (1.9 × 104 carriers/photon), which are commensurate with those obtained by the current solid-state technology. Solid-state X-ray detectors have enabled real-time diagnostics as well as reduced patient dose. Now researchers have shown that potentially inexpensive perovskites can be used for efficient X-ray imaging.