710236X Ray DetectorClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKEshtech have recognised an opportunity to develop an innovative new x-ray detector which will be more accurate and affordable than existing equipment. Currently available indirect xray detectors have superior imaging capability but cannot distinguish different materials to a high enough degree of accuracy. Direct x-ray detectors can pick up spectroscopic information to characterise different materials but they have performance issues, are very expensive and currently can only be obtained in low resolution arrays. These limitations mean that they cannot be used in applications where resolution is key, such as mammography, PET scanning and industrial inspection. In an ideal world companies in the medical and industrial image sectors would like to combine the high resolution images available in indirect detectors with the spectroscopic abilities of direct detectors. This would enable the earlier detection of cancers in medical imaging and the identification of process faults in industrial imaging. This technology can be applied to a range of different industries, the first being electronics inspection to examine the type of material and thickness in different layers of a PCB. Faults can be diagnosed and solder joints can be checked. We will also look at defence where there is a requirement to screen for radio isotopes, and at industrial metrology. A much larger market where this innovation could have a profound influence on is in medical imaging and particularly mammography. The ability to detect the early changes in tissue composition could allow for the much earlier detection of cancer.