On January 23, a research team headed by Academician Hao Yue and Professor Zhang Jincheng from Xidian University, in partnership with the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, announced the successful development of a high-performance single-crystal diamond radiation detector. This innovative detector features a Ti/Pt/Au composite electrode structure and incorporates space-grade packaging materials. It represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the reliability of electrode bonding, boosting radiation tolerance, and ensuring high-temperature operational stability. By doing so, it effectively overcomes the performance limitations that traditional detectors face in deep-space environments.

Experimental findings confirm that the diamond detector equipped with the Ti/Pt/Au composite electrode maintains superior detection capabilities while demonstrating exceptional adaptability to the harsh conditions of space. This adaptability enables the detector to operate stably amidst high levels of radiation, significant temperature fluctuations, and extended mission durations. The detector's robustness positions it as a promising candidate for deep-space particle detection tasks, including the detection of charged particles and neutrons.

This groundbreaking achievement not only overcomes the environmental constraints of traditional silicon-based detectors but also signifies a substantial progression for diamond detectors. It transitions them from the realm of laboratory research to practical engineering and space payload applications. Consequently, it provides critical device support for China's forthcoming deep-space exploration missions, including those to the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and beyond.