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Development of (TeO₂)₀.₄(ZnO)₀.₆ Thin Film Sensors for Real-Time X-Ray Dosimetric Applications |
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PP: 147-151 |
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doi:10.18576/jrna/110204
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Author(s) |
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Shehu I. Abdulrazak,
Idris M. Mustapha,
Abubakar A. Mundi,
Muhammad A. Sidi,
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Abstract |
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| The growing demand for compact and real-time radiation monitoring systems has intensified interest in metal-oxide thin film sensors for X-ray dosimetry. In this study, (TeO₂)₀.₄(ZnO)₀.₆ thin films were developed and evaluated as potential real-time X-ray dosimetric sensors. The films were fabricated on soda-lime glass substrates using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis from co-doped precursor solutions and subsequently characterized for their structural, morphological, compositional, electrical, and dosimetric properties. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the films, with the coexistence of tetragonal α-TeO₂ and hexagonal wurtzite ZnO phases. FESEM images revealed a clustered gel-like morphology with agglomerated nanoparticles, while EDX spectra verified the presence of Te, Zn, and O as the dominant constituent elements with negligible contamination. Electrical characterization showed linear current–voltage behavior, indicating ohmic conduction and good charge transport characteristics. Under X-ray irradiation, the induced current increased linearly with absorbed dose, demonstrating a stable and reproducible real-time dosimetric response. The films exhibited a sensitivity in the range of 61–228 mA cm⁻² Gy⁻¹, a minimum measurable dose (MMD) of 0.439–1.639 mGy, and linearity coefficients (R²) between 0.869 and 0.913. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the high photon interaction capability of TeO₂ and the superior electronic transport properties of ZnO, which together promote efficient electron–hole pair generation and charge collection under irradiation. These findings demonstrate that (TeO₂)₀.₄(ZnO)₀.₆ thin films are promising candidates for real-time X-ray dosimetric applications in medical, industrial, and radiation safety environments. |
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