| Project Detail |
A next-generation ionising radiation detector based on patented oxide transistors
Ionising radiation, high-energy radiation that can remove electrons from atoms or molecules causing them to become ionised, can damage cells and their DNA. Monitoring the dose of ionising radiation in applications from energy and healthcare to civil security is of utmost importance. Flexible and wearable X-ray detectors are an emerging potential solution in next-generation technologies, yet no innovation currently combines portability, high resolution, low cost and complexity and other desired traits. The EU-funded FLETRAD project will develop a flexible and transparent platform addressing all current challenges by exploiting patented oxide transistors as direct ionising radiation detectors.
Ionizing radiation presents a known health risk, but if used controllably it can be the basis of relevant applications spanning from healthcare to civil security. Either for proper control of the dose received by patients in medical treatments or workers in radiation hazardous environments, or for high resolution imagers, proper quantification of the radiation doses is demanded. The x-ray detectors market represented 2.5 Bn$ in 2020, and flexible/wearable X-ray detectors are seen as breakthrough innovations for next-gen devices. But to date, there is not a detection technology offering a combination of conformability, portability, large active area, small interference with the radiation received, potential for high resolution and low cost/complexity. By using the patented idea of oxide transistors as direct ionization radiation detectors coupled to the knowledge derived from ERC Starting Grant TREND in miniaturized oxide electronics using sustainable materials and processes, FLETRAD proposes a platform tackling all those requirements and going beyond them. It creates the breakthrough market opportunity of having a fully flexible and transparent radiation sensing platform, using seamlessly integrated oxide transistors both for sensors and electronics.
The action intends to identify the most significant market opportunities/applications for the innovative platform, fabricate/validate a prototype attractive to stakeholders, develop an IP strategy and a business plan, including the detailed analysis of the identified business opportunities. The work will be done at CENIMAT|I3N (NOVA), in a group pioneering oxide electronics, with full support of the Innovation Research and Impact Strategy (IRIS) office at NOVA.
FLETRAD has the support of key-players in ionizing radiation/flexible electronics, contributing to take our ideas into impactful market and societal needs. |
