GO SCINT_beta-Ga2O3:Ce semiconductor as a new scintillator - investigation of spectroscopic and scintillation properties

• Applicant: Dr. Zbigniew Galazka
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2017 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 380772227

The proposed joint research between Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (Berlin, DE) and Nicolaus Copernicus University (Torun, PL) focuses on a new scintillating single crystal, beta-Ga2O3 activated with cerium. Nowadays, inorganic crystalline scintillators dominate in the field of high-energy radiation detectors, including nuclear medicine (Positron Emission Tomography), high energy physics, astrophysics, monitoring nuclear materials, search for new oil sources and homeland security. Such materials are typically electrical insulators. However, beta-Ga2O3 is a wide bandgap semiconductor (4.85 eV) being transparent in the whole visible and deep UV spectral range. A combination of semiconductivity, transparency and scintillation capability of beta-Ga2O3 may boost yet new device concepts having higher level of integration. The main goal of the present study includes fundamental study of electrical, optical, scintillating and thermoluminescent properties of semiconducting beta-Ga2O3 activated with cerium, as the basis for future device development utilizing this class of materials.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Poland
• Partner Organisation: Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Winicjusz Drozdowski, Ph.D.; Professor Andrzej J. Wojtowicz