Innovative UV radiation detectors developed at Lobachevsky University
Scientists from the Laboratory of High-Purity Materials Technology at the UNN Chemistry Research Institute have developed a new type of ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. The project was carried out with grant support from the Nizhny Novgorod Research and Education Centre (ROC). The Nizhny Novgorod Research and Education Centre operates within the framework of the national project "Science and Universities".
"The country and the region have a serious need for their own technologies capable of both replacing foreign analogues and providing technological leadership. We will continue to support our researchers at all stages of project implementation. In particular, as part of the Nizhny Novgorod Research and Education Centre's activities, we plan to hold several grant competitions for research teams," said Alexander Tarasenko, Director of the Nizhny Novgorod Research and Education Centre.
The UV detector developed by Nizhny Novgorod scientists is based on nanostructured gallium beta-oxide, a substance produced at the UNN Laboratory of High-Purity Materials Technology. The detectors are "solar-blind", i.e. they are capable of detecting exclusively the radiation of man-made nature.
"Every year, the University is recognised for its scientific achievements and wins grant competitions of the REC. In 2023, the grant was awarded to the project of UNN chemists. Such photodetectors may be of interest to industrial enterprises, power supply organisations, and government agencies. We are also planning to receive support from the REC to bring the product to the market and search for industrial partners," said Oleg Trofimov, Rector of Lobachevsky University.
Leonid Mochalov, Head of the UNN Laboratory of High-Purity Materials Technology who developed the new technology for producing photodetectors, said that ultraviolet radiation is usually present where there is open burning or energy flashes. For example, the detector can be used to detect discharges during abnormal situations on power lines, explosions, fires.
"The most important application of the technology is in ensuring our country's security. UV detectors have already been used in Russia before, and our solution is another important step in the development of this technology. It allows detecting, tracking and transmitting coordinates of up to 70 objects simultaneously at a distance of several tens of kilometres. The devices are capable of detecting without interference such artificial sources of UV radiation as flames, corona discharges, artillery shots, rocket launches. Moreover, the equipment is compact enough to be used on drones. Also, the transmitter and detector complex can be used for remote control of vehicles. It is much more difficult to jam such signals than radio frequency signals," said Leonid Mochalov.
The Research and Education Centre in the Nizhny Novgorod region was one of the first five research and education centres established in Russia as part of the "Science" national project in 2018. In 2021, it was reformatted into the "Science and Universities" national project and included four federal projects: "Development of integration processes in science, higher education and industry", "Development of large-scale research and R&D projects in priority research areas", "Development of infrastructure for scientific research and personnel training" and "Development of human capital in the interests of regions, industries and the R&D sector".
The opportunities offered to business and research organisations by the Nizhny Novgorod REC are presented on its website. The Nizhny Novgorod REC has 64 research and business organisations as its participants.
