CSEM has developed within the EU-funded Clean Sky 2 SWISSMODICS project a CMOS readout circuit for wide-spectrum imaging. Coated with quantum dots—tiny, light-sensitive particles with excellent sensing properties outside the visible range—provided by the Dutch start-up, QDI systems, the readout circuit has been transformed into an innovative image sensor capable of detecting both X-rays and short-wave infrared (SWIR) photons with unmatched sensitivity, marking a significant leap in imaging technology. Its monolithic integration approach also has the potential to reduce costs.
This sensor aims to transform imaging across multiple domains. In healthcare, it could improve medical imaging. “We aim to enable high-quality diagnostics while significantly reducing radiation exposure, making safer mammograms and dental X-rays a real possibility,” says Artem Shulga, CEO of QDI Systems. In industrial inspection, its resolution could redefine nondestructive testing, identifying hidden cracks or structural weaknesses in machinery and airplane components without disassembly, saving time, cost, and resources.
Beyond these fields, the sensor’s SWIR capabilities could benefit agriculture by monitoring crop health and water content more accurately than ever before. In the realm of sustainability, it has the potential to transform waste recycling by improving the sorting of plastics, leading to greater efficiency and environmental benefits.
While some of these transformative applications are still under review, the sensor’s design—integrating the photon-detecting components directly onto the CMOS readout—ensures cost-effective and scalable manufacturing. This breakthrough not only pushes the boundaries of imaging technology but also points to a future where such advancements are more accessible and impactful, benefiting society on multiple fronts.
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