Ga2O3-based X-ray detector and scintillators: A review

Beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) has attracted a lot of interest as a prospective ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) material due to its unique physical properties for harsh condition applications. The high density (6.44 g/cm3), thermal and chemical stability, strong theoretical breakdown electric field (8 MV/cm), radiation tolerance, and a host of other characteristics that β-Ga2O3 possesses make it a desirable option for X-ray detection, scintillator, and harsh environment sensing, researchers began to explore whether β-Ga2O3 could be developed in X-ray detection. X-ray detection plays an important role in medical imaging, scientific research, and security inspection. However, developing β-Ga2O3-based X-ray radiation detectors with high sensitivity, fast response speed, and excellent stability remains a challenge. Since it has been discovered that β-Ga2O3 produces scintillation light when activated with ionizing radiation, it has also drawn interest from the scintillator market and scientists conducting research on this class of materials. In addition to pure β-Ga2O3 crystals, doped ones have also been researched, with the goal of increasing scintillation yield and reducing scintillation decay times. In this review article, we summarize exciting progress of β-Ga2O3-based X-ray detector and scintillators which have been pursued over the past few years. Through these efforts, we intend to offer practical viewpoints that will hasten the creation of high performance β-Ga2O3-based X-ray detector and scintillators technology.