Sapphires: a new frontier in the fight against cancer
"LIP researchers explore the potential of sapphires for detecting radiation and developing new medical and security applications"
Sapphires have been appreciated for their beauty for centuries, but could they also play a role in cancer treatment and radiation detection? LIP researchers are transforming this precious stone into a highly efficient detector.
A study led by Cristiana Rodrigues, João Gentil and Luís Peralta, researchers from LIP's RADART group, explores how corundum (Al2O3), commonly known as sapphire, can be modified to act as a high-precision passive dosimeter. By integrating carbon and magnesium into its composition, the researchers have created a device capable of measuring radiation exposure reliably and safely.
This breakthrough could lead to the development of innovative applications in the field of personal safety and medical treatments. Imagine a sapphire ring or necklace that, as well as being an accessory, monitors the radiation to which you are exposed in real time. This technology has implications not only for individual use, but also for improving cancer therapies, allowing for more precise control of the dose of radiation administered.
LIP researchers are continuing to develop sapphire-based passive dosimeters for applications in microdosimetry and radiobiology. The aim is to perfect crystal growth techniques and deepen understanding of the properties of sapphire, exploring its impact in areas such as medical physics, space exploration and other sectors that require accurate radiation measurements.
The study ‘Systematic study on the quality of flux-grown Al2O3 single crystals for dosimetry applications’ was published in a special issue of the journal Solid State Sciences. The full article is available at: article