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arXiv · 1811.10138

Radiation tolerance of two-dimensional material-based devices for space applications

Tobias Vogl·Kabilan Sripathy·Ankur Sharma·Prithvi Reddy·James Sullivan·Joshua R. Machacek·Linglong Zhang·Fouad Karouta·Ben C. Buchler·Marcus W. Doherty·Yuerui Lu·Ping Koy Lam
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Abstract

Characteristic for devices based on two-dimensional materials are their low size, weight and power requirements. This makes them advantageous for use in space instrumentation, including photovoltaics, batteries, electronics, sensors and light sources for long-distance quantum communication. Here, we present for the first time a comprehensive study on combined radiation effects in earth's atmosphere on various devices based on these nanomaterials. Using theoretical modeling packages, we estimate relevant radiation levels and then expose field-effect transistors, single-photon sources and monolayers as building blocks for future electronics to gamma-rays, protons and electrons. The devices show negligible change in performance after the irradiation, suggesting robust suitability for space use. Under excessive $\gamma$-radiation, however, monolayer WS$_2$ showed decreased defect densities, identified by an increase in photoluminescence, carrier lifetime and a change in doping ratio proportional to the photon flux. The underlying mechanism was traced back to radiation-induced defect healing, wherein dissociated oxygen passivates sulfur vacancies.

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Tobias Vogl, Kabilan Sripathy, Ankur Sharma, Prithvi Reddy, James Sullivan, Joshua R. Machacek, Linglong Zhang, Fouad Karouta, Ben C. Buchler, Marcus W. Doherty, Yuerui Lu, Ping Koy Lam. 2018-11-26. Radiation tolerance of two-dimensional material-based devices for space applications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09219-5

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