Perovskite radiation detectors

New technologies for digital X-ray sensors are currently revolutionising many aspects of public health and security, from medical imaging systems to the latest “3D” X-ray scanning technology used in airports. In this research project you will develop perovskite-based radiation detectors for use in X-ray and gamma imaging detectors for security applications. The security market uses imaging detectors for portal scanners, eg to interrogate persons or vehicles in the search for illicit nuclear materials. Perovskite scintillators are high-Z materials which unique radioluminescence properties, which offer energy discrimination and improved sensitivity for X-ray and gamma rays compared to traditional plastic scintillators.

The team at Surrey has recently demonstrated the performance of new perovskite scintillator materials which have excellent properties for use as radiation scintillators, combining a high radioluminescence light yield, high material density, good optical transparency due to a high Stoke’s shift, and a fast response time. In this project you will develop prototype perovskite scintillator imaging detectors fabricated from perovskite materials synthesised in the group. The research will characterise the fundamental optical properties of these new materials and demonstrate their performance in prototype X-ray and gamma-ray imaging detectors.

The research project will combine the study of the perovskite scintillator materials with the development of prototype radiation imaging detectors to demonstrate the performance of these materials as real imaging devices. Using the group’s X-ray facilities and optical imaging cameras, the spatial resolution and imaging quality of the materials will be measured. This multi-disciplinary research project will benefit from the excellent material characterisation facilities in the Chemistry and Materials Science departments, for example using Photoluminescence, Raman, Dynamic Light Scattering, SEM/TEM and XRD.

This project is ideal for a Physics graduate with an enthusiasm for experimental research, with either a Batchelors or Masters degree. Students with equivalent backgrounds in chemistry or materials science will also be considered.

This project is now only available to UK nationals. We regret that applications cannot be accepted from other countries.

English language requirements

Non-native English speakers will be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with no sub-test of less than 6.

Radiation and Medical Physics Group