Perovskite and its Inspired Materials for Detectors in Medical Imaging

​The research study focused on improving the state of art on gamma-Ray sensors components of medical imaging detectors exploiting the potential of perovskite (PVK) single crystals (SCs). Perovskite and perovskite-inspired single crystal were grown using cost-effective solution methods to investigate both direct and indirect gamma detection. In indirect detection, different phases of the Cu-based PVK-inspired SCs were grown, specifically the 0 and 1-D (as shown in Figure). The manufactured SCs were characterized through various techniques, including optical and structural analysis via UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence measurements, and X-ray diffraction. The preliminary γ-ray testing using an imaging device shows the potential of 0D structure SCs as an efficient and affordable choice for traditional halide scintillators. For the final application, the custom-made scintillator was coupled with a multi-anode PMT and dedicated electronics. Regarding the development of direct detectors, in collaboration with Shanghai University the Formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3) SCs were grown using various solution-based techniques to produce high-quality bulk SCs suitable for direct detection, thanks to its wide bandgap (~2.2 eV), high effective atomic number (Z_eff ≈ 65), and excellent defect tolerance. Initial semiconducting performance was evaluated through measurements of resistivity (>109 Ω·cm) and dark current characteristics. Further studies are ongoing to evaluate the imaging performance of the FAPbBr3 SC-based detectors. The activity has been performed within the Sapienza University of Rome, PhD course of Mathematical Models for Engineering, Electromagnetism and Nanosciences. Ibrar Ahmad thanks PNRR Rome Technopole for the PhD scholarship, ISS and Sapienza for resources & facilities.