Sunday 23 February 2025
Organic electronics, a field that has revolutionized consumer devices like smartphones and TVs, is now being explored for its potential in detecting radiation. Specifically, researchers have been working on developing organic semiconductor-based neutron detectors, which could be used to detect neutrons emitted by radioactive materials.
One of the biggest challenges in developing these detectors is creating a material that can effectively absorb neutrons without also absorbing other types of radiation, such as alpha particles or gamma rays. To address this challenge, researchers have been experimenting with different polymers and additives to create a detector that is specifically designed to detect neutrons.
In a recent study, scientists from Queen Mary University of London and the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the UK report their progress on developing an organic semiconductor-based neutron detector. The researchers used a polymer called poly(N,N’-bis(2-hexyldodecyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl)-alt-5,5′-(2,2′-bithiophene), or PNDI for short.
The researchers fabricated diode-like structures using the PNDI polymer and tested their performance using a neutron source at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory. They found that the devices were able to detect neutrons with energies ranging from 0.025 eV to 16.5 MeV, which is an impressive range of detection capabilities.
One of the key advantages of these organic semiconductor-based detectors is their potential for scalability and low cost fabrication methods. This could make them a more practical option for detecting radiation in a variety of applications, including nuclear power plants, medical facilities, and research laboratories.
The researchers also explored the use of boron-containing additives to enhance the detector’s sensitivity to thermal neutrons. Thermal neutrons are slower-moving neutrons that are often emitted by radioactive materials, and detecting them can be challenging. The addition of boron allowed the detectors to effectively detect thermal neutrons, which is an important capability for many radiation detection applications.
While there is still more work to be done to refine the design and performance of these detectors, the results presented in this study are promising. They demonstrate the potential for organic electronics to play a role in the development of next-generation radiation detection technology, and highlight the importance of continued research in this area.
Cite this article: “Organic Electronics: A Promising Approach to Radiation Detection”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Organic Electronics, Neutron Detectors, Radiation Detection, Polymeric Materials, Additive Manufacturing, Scalability, Low-Cost Fabrication, Boron-Containing Additives, Thermal Neutrons, Nuclear Power Plants.
