Fabrication and characterization of thin films of PbI2 for medical imaging

Abstract Thin films of lead iodide (PbI2) are promising candidates for applications in X-ray digital medical imaging. In this work we present a new methodology used for the deposition of thin films of PbI2: the spray pyrolysis technique. We investigate the structural properties of the films using X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering experiments. The electronic properties of the obtained films are investigated using dark current versus voltage at room temperature and also using dark current as a function of temperature for a fixed voltage. Post-deposition thermal annealing is also used for induced crystal growth, where the influence of a controlled N2 or ambient atmosphere are compared.