Cancer Treatment with Flexible X-ray Detectors

The development of novel tissue-equivalent materials at the University of Surrey might open the way for a new generation of flexible X-ray detectors, with possible uses ranging from cancer therapy to improved airport scanners.

X-ray detectors have traditionally been composed of heavy, rigid materials such as silicon or germanium. New, flexible detectors are less expensive and can be molded to scan things, boosting accuracy when screening patients and lowering danger when imaging tumors and giving radiotherapy.

Dr Prabodhi Nanayakkara, who led the research at the University of Surrey, said:

“This new material is flexible, low-cost, and sensitive. But what’s exciting is that this material is tissue equivalent. This paves the way for live dosimetry, which just isn’t possible with current technology.”  

Professor Ravi Silva, director of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute, said:

“This new technology could be used in a variety of settings, such as radiotherapy, scanning historical artefacts and in security scanners. The University of Surrey together with its spin out SilverRay Ltd continues to lead the way in flexible X-ray detectors – we’re pleased to see the technology shows real promise for a range of uses.”

Co-author, Professor Martin Heeney, Imperial College London, commented:

“We have been developing heavy analogues of traditional organic semiconductors for some time, and we were intrigued when Dr Imalka Jayawardena suggested their application in X-ray detectors. These results are very exciting, especially considering this was the first material investigated, and there is plenty of scope for further improvements.”

For more information: University of Surrey