Radiation detectors

Abstract

A detector for detecting radiation is generally described. The detector can comprise at least one ionic semiconductor material. For example, the ionic semiconductor material comprises a thallium halide and/or an indium halide. Electrical contacts are formed on the semiconductor material to provide a voltage to the detector during use. At least one of the electrical contacts may comprise a liquid that contains ions. In some instances, at least one electrical contact comprises a metal, such as Cr, Ti, W, Mo, or Pb. In some embodiments, the detector comprises both an electrical contact comprising liquid comprising ions and an electrical contact comprising a metal selected from a group consisting of Cr, Ti, W, Mo, and Pb. Detectors for detecting radiation, as described herein, may have beneficial properties.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A radiation detector, comprising:
 an ionic semiconductor material; and   an electrical contact on the ionic semiconductor material, wherein the electrical contact comprises a liquid comprising ions.