IOP Business Start-Up Award: Silveray
For the development of the first generation of flexible colour X-ray cameras based on proprietary semiconductor materials, bringing new analytical capabilities in industrial markets, and transforming the future of medical diagnostics.
Silveray is revolutionising X-ray imaging across industrial markets, into healthcare, and beyond.
Since 1895, X-rays have transformed modern medicine and industrial testing. However, one fundamental element has not changed: X-rays have been black and white.
Inspired by the use of X-radiation in the analysis of star-forming galaxies by astronomers, pioneering research into X-ray absorption of nanoparticles at the University of Surrey laid the foundation for the novel X-ray detector technology being pioneered at Silveray. Based on that early work, they have discovered and patented an innovative X-ray sensor material – NPX.
NPX is a semiconductor nanoparticle ink which is highly sensitive to X-rays. It can be coated on any surface to create curved or flexible X-ray detectors. It retains spectral information, paving the way for colour X-rays. NPX is solution-processed at low cost, delivers clear X-ray images at low doses, and can be produced in large areas on flexible plastics.
Silveray’s ambition is to bring colour X-ray imaging to hospitals worldwide and help doctors save more lives with dramatically enhanced diagnostic detail. It will allow X-ray imaging to be available in regional hospitals in the poorest of nations, providing affordable healthcare worldwide.
Silveray has started product development with industrial NDT, with lower regulatory requirements compared to medical. They are partnering with lead customers to replace radiographic film for the inspection of critical welds. Their solution dramatically improves productivity for disaster avoidance, keeping people safe. Silveray is the first to market with digital X-ray film, offering dramatic efficiency improvements for traditional radiographic film users.
