Carlos Avila-Avendano

Bio: Carlos Avila-Avendano is an academic researcher from University of Texas at Dallas. The author has contributed to research in topics: Neutron detection & Thin film. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 12 publications receiving 47 citations.

Low-Temperature Deposition of Inorganic-Organic HfO2-PMMA Hybrid Gate Dielectric Layers for High-Mobility ZnO Thin-Film Transistors

Abstract: Low-temperature solution-processed inorganic–organic hybrid gate dielectrics are considered as emerging candidates for future low-cost flexible electronic devices, which are alternatives to high-temperature inorganic-based gate dielectric materials. In the present work, we developed a novel inorganic–organic HfO2–PMMA hybrid dielectric material by an efficient eco-friendly sol–gel method, deposited by spin-coating technique and converted into dielectric thin films at a very low thermal annealing temperature of 185 °C. The HfO2–PMMA hybrid thin-film formation was systematically investigated by FTIR and XPS techniques. Subsequently, a very low surface roughness of 0.8 nm and high uniformity of hybrid thin films were observed by tapping-mode AFM. Also, the thin films showed a hydrophilic nature with a high surface energy of 59.9 mJ/m2 as observed by the contact angle technique. The insulating properties of this hybrid film, studied by C–V and I–V measurements, showed very low leakage current density under 1 ...

Integrated Thin-Film Radiation Detectors and In-Pixel Amplification

Abstract: We propose the use of polysilicon thin-film circuits to develop charged particle and neutron detection systems. We detail the methodology to design, fabricate, and implement polysilicon preamplifiers with the requirements for radiation detectors. We demonstrate the combination of polysilicon electronics with Si photodiodes to resolve the spectral response of a 210Po alpha source and demonstrate for the first time neutron detection capabilities. Also, we present the first implementation of a full thin-film radiation detection system using CdS/CdTe detectors and a polysilicon thin-film transistor for single-event charged particle detection.

Solid-State Neutron Detection Based on Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Single Crystals.

Abstract: Perovskite-based semiconductors, such as methylammonium and cesium lead halides (MPbX3: M = CH3NH3+ or Cs+; X = I-, Br-, or Cl-), have attracted immense attention for several applications, including radiation detection, due to their excellent electronic and optical properties.1,2,3,4,5,6 In addition, the combination of perovskites with other materials enables unique device structures. For example, robust and reliable diodes result when combined with metal oxide semiconductors. This device can be used for detection of nonionizing and ionizing radiation. In this paper, we report a unique perovskite single-crystal-based neutron detector using a heterojunction diode based on single-crystal MAPbBr3 and gallium oxide (Ga2O3) thin film. The MAPbBr3/Ga2O3 diodes demonstrate a leakage current of ∼7 × 10-10 A/mm2, an on/off ratio of ∼102, an ideality factor of 1.41, and minimal hysteresis that enables alpha particle, gamma-ray, and neutron detection at a bias as low as (-5 V). Gamma discrimination is further improved by 85% by optimizing the thickness of the perovskite single crystal. The MAPbBr3/Ga2O3 diodes also demonstrate a neutron detection efficiency of ∼3.92% when combined with a 10B neutron conversion layer.

Genesis of Pure Se(0) Nano- and Micro- structures in Wastewater

Abstract: Advanced materials are essential to the quality of modern day life, but the synthesis of these compounds is often inefficient in terms of energy, time and resources; especially when considering the hydrothermal batch methods used to prepare many such compounds – often requiring week-long reaction times with variable yields and product quality. In contrast, Continuous flow synthesis (CFS) provides a more readily scalable means for the efficient, effective and reproducible synthesis of inorganic compounds. This publication demonstrates the novel CFS of several metal ammonium phosphates and compare the effect of synthesis route on particle size, size distribution, and crystallinity.

Challenges and Opportunities for CsPbBr3 Perovskites in Low- and High-Energy Radiation Detection

Abstract: Semiconductor-based light detection finds widespread application in everyday devices. Since the fabrication of commercial photodetectors requires complex and capital-intensive equipment, a search f...

Current Advances in Solar-blind Photodetection Technology: Using Ga2O3 & AlGaN

Abstract: Different variants of novel coronavirus disease are spreading and emerging rapidly all over the world causing a health pandemic. With this sudden outbreak, ultraviolet-C (UV-C) sterilizing devices are being significantly...

Recent Progress in Halide Perovskite Radiation Detectors for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

Abstract: Detecting hard X-rays and γ-rays with high energy resolution is critical for medical and industrial applications, high-energy fundamental physics, and homeland security. Two types of radiation detectors, indirect-conversion (scintillators) and direct-conversion (solid-state) detectors, are the most widely used technologies. Semiconductor-based detectors that can directly convert γ-rays into an electrical signal and operate at room temperature are especially important as portable and cost-efficient detectors with high sensitivity and energy resolution. Recently, lead halide perovskites have attracted enormous interest for γ-ray detection, and significant progress has been made toward practical detectors using perovskites as active materials. In this Review, we start with the fundamentals of γ-ray detection and review the recent developments in halide perovskite γ-ray detectors. The key factors affecting the detector performance are summarized. We also give an outlook on the field, with emphasis on the challenges to be overcome.