Radiation Damage Mechanisms in <i>β</i> -Ga₂O₃ MSM Solar-Blind Photodetectors: Insights From Proton, Neutron, and <i>γ</i> -Ray Irradiation

Spacecraft that traverse the magnetosphere of Earth encounter intense radiation consisting of high-energy protons, heavy ions, and γ-rays, which introduces complex radiation damage risks to electronic devices onboard. This study systematically investigates the effects of proton, neutron, and γ-ray irradiation on the optoelectronic performance of β-Ga<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub>O<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> MSM solar-blind photodetectors. By correlating material property evolution with device performance degradation, the damage mechanisms induced by different radiation sources are elucidated. The proton irradiation introduces shallow-level defects via synergistic displacement and ionization damage, while neutron irradiation predominantly generates Frenkel defects through displacement damage. In contrast, γ-ray irradiation induces rapid accumulation of VO at interfaces due to ionization damage, leading to a significant reduction in the Schottky barrier height. Photoelectric characterization demonstrates that β-Ga<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub>O<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> photodetectors exhibit superior radiation tolerance to protons and neutrons compared to γ-rays. These findings provide critical theoretical guidance for designing radiation-hardened β-Ga<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub>O<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sub> solar-blind detectors in space radiation environments.