Flexible Single Microwire X‐Ray Detector with Ultrahigh Sensitivity for Portable Radiation Detection System

Abstract

Sensitive, flexible, and low false alarm rate X-ray detector is crucial for medical diagnosis, industrial inspection, and scientific research. However, most semiconductors for X-ray detectors are susceptible to interference from ambient light, and their high thickness hinders their application in wearable electronics. Herein, a flexible visible-blind and ultraviolet-blind X-ray detector based on Indium-doped Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃:In) single microwire is prepared. Joint experiment-theory characterizations reveal that the Ga₂O₃:In microwire possess a high crystal quality, large band gap, and satisfactory stability, and reliability. On this basis, an extraordinary sensitivity of 5.9 × 10⁵ µC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 and a low detection limit of 67.4 nGy_air s^-1 are achieved based on the prepared Ag/Ga₂O₃:In/Ag device, which has outstanding operation stability and excellent high temperature stability. Taking advantage of the flexible properties of the single microwire, a portable X-ray detection system is demonstrated that shows the potential to adapt to flexible and lightweight formats. The proposed X-ray detection system enables real-time monitor for X-rays, which can be displayed on the user interface. More importantly, it has excellent resistance to natural light interference, showing a low false alarm rate. This work provides a feasible method for exploring high-performance flexible integrated micro/nano X-ray detection devices.