Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

From GEM Detectors to Licences and

Start-UpsAn example of KT @ CERN

Dr. Tim Tsarfati

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

GEM detector technology basicsThe GEM (Gaseous Electron Multiplier) is a thin metal-coated polymer (Kapton) foil pierced by a high density of holes (50-100/mm2).Introduced in the 90’s to achieve better resolution, timing and simplicity.Many collaborations, patents, R&D and commercial licences, some direct sales by CERN, spin-offs on eg. medical devices

70 µm 140 µm

50 µm

ions

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

TGEM technology basics

10

0 m

m

V. Peskov et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods A478(2002), 377V. Peskov et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods A576(2007), 362

Resistive TGEMs (RETGEM) have resistive instead of metallic electrodes, providing better protection against sparks

103-104 gain in single GEM

THGEMStandard GEM

1

mm

105 gain in single-TGEM

Thick-GEMs (TGEMs) were introduced later in the last decade as evolution of GEMs towards a simpler and more robust detector

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

KT fund supports developments beyond HEP applicationsResistive Thick-GEM technology attractive in environmental and safety field, given the intrinsic robustness, simplicity of assembly and good performance in harsh environmentR&D project supported by the KT fund in 2012:

Flame and smoke detection with a sealed device; higher sensitivity than existing commercial devices is achieved using UV sensitive photoconverters (CsI, Ethyl-ferrocene)Rn detection using a device open to air; RETGEM can be operated stably in ambient air, thus exploited to detect alpha’s from Rn decay and implement monitoring network for systematic large scale studies of Rn increase in atmosphere as earthquake precursor

KT fund project on GEM-based detectors for safety and environmental protection

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT TrainingLOGO

Start-Up; What and Why?

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

A company formed around a product or service developed at a parent organisation

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

Why create GEM spin-offs? Technology with a wide range of

applications in various fields+ Enthusiastic community + Market need; creating, installing &

operating GEMs requires specialist knowledge

Potential for production and service- based companies

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

The GEM Radon Detectors Story

2013 Spin-Off potential verified during KT fund

project Inventor interested to be involved, while remaining CERN staff

Search for management teamNTNU entrepreneurship programme

Spin-Off & market appraisals favourable

Team members at CERN on several

occasions

2014

Early concept drawing of instrument

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

The Process – Licensing & Spin-Off

• Establish application potential of technology

• Confirm support of lead inventor

Technology & Inventor

Assessment

• Identify company management team

• Understand development needs & funding

Management & Resource

Identification • Seek funding & support

• Conduct any required development

Set-up preparation

• Register company

• Sign spin-off agreement with CERN

Form Spin-Off Company

Sup

port

of

CER

N K

T g

roup

Time

• Many R&D and commercial licences

• Regular sale of foils

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

CERN KT Support

1-year, paid ‘pre-spin-off’ contract at CERN, with regular stays at CERN facilities

Assistance with technical, administrative and market research related matters

Promotion and ‘marketing’ of the spin-off at workshops, seminars & conferences

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

We actively seek to support spin-offs from CERN technologies/people

Our door is always open to discuss your ideas – spread the word!