Nanoscale X-ray detectors based on individual CdS, SnO2 and ZnO nanowires

The development of nanoscale X-ray sensors is of crucial importance to achieve higher spatial resolution in many X-ray-based techniques playing a key role in materials science, healthcare, and security. Here, we demonstrate X-ray detection using individual CdS, SnO2, and ZnO nanowires (NWs). The NWs were produced via vapor–liquid–solid technique and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical measurements were performed under ambient conditions while exposing two-terminal NW-based devices to X-rays generated by a conventional tungsten anode X-ray tube. Fast and stable nanoampere-range X-ray beam induced current (XBIC) in response to X-ray illumination was observed. The high XBIC measured in the NW devices could be attributed to the efficient transport and collection of generated charge carriers due to the single-crystalline nature of NWs and the short NW length. Such fast-response and high-sensitivity nanoscale X-ray detectors can find applications in sub-micron resolution imaging and nanofocused beam shape measurements.