As representatives of the third generation semiconductor of the wide band gap, the gallium nitride, the silicon carbide and diamond with high breakdown electric field, high saturated electron rate, high heat conductivity and high displacement threshold, high temperature resistance, high radiation resistance, can be applied as the radiation detector in the space detection, the high energy particle physics, and other fields, with important potential applications. The properties of several third-generation semiconductors, the main preparation methods of the radiation detectors and the testing progress for different radiations are addressed emphatically, and the development trend of third-generation semiconductors in the radiation detection is also prospected. It is proposed that the emergence of the third generation semiconductor radiation detectors will promote the research of nuclear science, space exploration, particle and high energy physics, and play an important role in promoting the national core competitiveness.

third generation semiconductor  /  radiation detectors  /  temperature resistance  /  radiation resistance  /  wide band gap semiconductor