Impact of Device Architecture on Proton Detection Efficiency in 2D Perovskite Thick Film Detectors

Why It Matters

The architecture‑driven efficiency gains enable compact, low‑cost proton sensors that can replace bulkier silicon or diamond systems, accelerating adoption in medical, aerospace, and security applications. Reliable, energy‑independent response simplifies calibration and supports continuous monitoring in high‑radiation environments.

Key Takeaways

• Stacked geometry yields higher proton detection efficiency.
• Vertical electric field improves charge collection in 2D perovskites.
• Thin films show better uniformity, enhancing stacked device performance.
• Response remains stable across 3–5 MeV proton energies.
• Stacked detectors demonstrate long‑term operational stability.

Pulse Analysis

Hybrid organic‑inorganic perovskites have rapidly moved from photovoltaic research into radiation detection, thanks to their high carrier mobility, tunable bandgaps, and solution‑processable fabrication. Their ability to be deposited on flexible substrates opens a pathway for lightweight dosimeters and in‑situ monitoring tools. However, translating these material properties into reliable ionizing‑radiation sensors requires careful engineering of the device stack, especially when targeting high‑energy particles such as MeV protons. The geometry of the electric field, electrode placement, and film thickness collectively dictate how efficiently ionization charge is harvested, making architecture a decisive factor in performance.

The recent comparative study of planar versus stacked configurations for 2D perovskite PEA₂PbBr₄ highlights this principle. In a planar layout, the electric field runs laterally, forcing charge carriers to travel across grain boundaries and often encountering recombination sites. By contrast, the stacked architecture aligns the field vertically through the film, shortening drift paths and leveraging the full thickness of the active layer. This orientation yields a marked increase in charge collection efficiency, as reflected in higher proton detection sensitivity and a linear, energy‑independent response from 3 to 5 MeV. Moreover, thinner, morphologically uniform films benefit the stacked design, further reducing trap‑mediated losses.

From a commercial perspective, the stacked geometry offers a scalable route to robust proton dosimeters that can operate continuously under high flux conditions. Its stable response across a broad energy range simplifies calibration, while the demonstrated long‑term reliability addresses a key hurdle for deployment in medical radiotherapy, space missions, and nuclear security. The compatibility of the stacked design with roll‑to‑roll printing also suggests cost‑effective mass production, potentially accelerating adoption of perovskite‑based detectors in markets traditionally dominated by silicon or diamond sensors. Future work will likely explore hybrid multilayer stacks and interface engineering to push detection limits even further.