X-rays are a well-known method of looking “in the body” in the hospital for effects such as broken bones. As soon as someone has to have an X-ray, the caregivers stand behind a screen and sometimes a lead apron is put on if necessary. These measures are necessary because continuous exposure to X-rays can be dangerous. Radiation increases the risk of developing cancer. Limiting this radiation is therefore important in all cases.

Quantum dots are nanocrystals, so small that the quantum mechanical effects determine the properties of this material. These unique properties allow efficient capture of X-rays and converting them into electrical charges within the Quantum Dots. These charges are further amplified, converted into digital data and displayed as an image in the screen in front of a radiologist.

Application of Quantum Dots in the X-ray detectors has several advantages: Due to the higher sensitivity, sharper and thus more detailed images can be obtained; more importantly, the amount of radiation can be drastically reduced and the safety of both patient and caregivers is served. The application also lends itself to work with pre-formed detectors; for example, making mammography screening a lot less patient-unfriendly and it also allows the tissue to be photographed from multiple angles ‘in one shot’, so better screening can take place.

QDI is based on knowledge developed and patented at the University of Groningen. With the help of NWO Take-off grant, the knowledge was converted into a scalable business model. The initial technical validation was further supported by SNN VIA subsidy for prototype demonstration. In addition to the financial support from RuG-Holding, Carduso Capital has committed to the company. With this investment, QDI can further develop the proven basic technique in scaling up and prepare for cooperation with industrial leaders.

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For further information:
www.qdisystems.com
www.cardusocapital.com
www.rugholding.nl

For further contact::
QDI Systems:  Artem Shulga, (+31) 6-2600 2038 Email: a.shulga@qdisystems.com
Carduso Capital: Koos Koops, (+31) 6-2298 9098 Email: koos.koops@cardusocapital.com
RuG Holding: Corina prent, (+31) 6-2292 6660 Email: c.s.w.prent@rug.nl