npj Flexible Electronics (Feb 2023)

Flexible fully organic indirect detector for megaelectronvolts proton beams

  • Sabrina Calvi,
  • Laura Basiricò,
  • Sara M. Carturan,
  • Ilaria Fratelli,
  • Antonio Valletta,
  • Alberto Aloisio,
  • Stefania De Rosa,
  • Felix Pino,
  • Marcello Campajola,
  • Andrea Ciavatti,
  • Luca Tortora,
  • Matteo Rapisarda,
  • Sandra Moretto,
  • Matteo Verdi,
  • Stefano Bertoldo,
  • Olivia Cesarini,
  • Paolo Di Meo,
  • Massimo Chiari,
  • Francesco Tommasino,
  • Ettore Sarnelli,
  • Luigi Mariucci,
  • Paolo Branchini,
  • Alberto Quaranta,
  • Beatrice Fraboni

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-022-00229-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract A flexible, fully organic detector for proton beams is presented here. The detector operates in the indirect mode and is composed of a polysiloxane-based scintillating layer coupled to an organic phototransistor, that is assessed for flexibility and low-voltage operation (V = −1 V), with a limit of detection of 0.026 Gy min−1. We present a kinetic model able to precisely reproduce the dynamic response of the device under irradiation and to provide further insight into the physical processes controlling it. This detector is designed to target real-time and in-situ dose monitoring during proton therapy and demonstrates mechanical flexibility and low power operation, assessing its potential employment as a personal dosimeter with high comfort and low risk for the patient. The results show how such a proton detector represents a promising tool for real-time particle detection over a large area and irregular surfaces, suitable for many applications, from experimental scientific research to innovative theranostics.