Identification number: 4000148353/25/NL/MH/yd
Type: European Space Agency Latvian National Programme
Project duration: 01.06.2025. - 31.07.2026.
Project leader: Dr. Edgars Butanovs, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Project partners: Photek Ltd (UK)
Total funding: 120 321 EUR
Project summary:
The objective of this project is to investigate and validate a novel, industrially scalable photodetector technology designed for solar-blind far-ultraviolet (UVC) light detection. The pixelated detectors will be based on amorphous gallium oxide thin films, deposited using a high-rate magnetron sputtering technique developed and patented by the ISSP UL. These sensors are designed to be sensitive exclusively to the UVC range, eliminating background from sunlight, which makes them particularly suitable for use in space or atmospheric monitoring. Solar-blind UVC photodetectors can be used for ozone layer research, early wildfire detection, and observation of cosmic phenomena such as solar flares. During the project, a prototype of a multi-pixel detector array with advanced signal processing will be demonstrated. The photodetector characteristics will be optimized for specific application areas.
The project is implemented by the Thin Films Laboratory of the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia, in collaboration with the UK-based company Photek Ltd. As a result of the project, a functioning sensor at TRL3 will be developed, along with a roadmap for further development toward TRL4+.