NEW BURIED-PIXEL MAPD DESIGN SUCCESSFULLY PRODUCED IN TÜRKIYE

The next stage in the production of Micro-Pixel Avalanche Photodiodes (MAPDs) has been successfully completed by Azerbaijani scientists, together with the INNMEDSCAN and DETMED project consortia, at the YITAL laboratory of TÜBİTAK-BİLGEM. The development was carried out by specialists from the Institute of Physics and the Nuclear Research Department of IDDA, marking a historic milestone for Türkiye: this is the first time that buried-pixel structure avalanche photodiodes have been produced in the country. The newly fabricated MAPDs have compact dimensions and belong to a class of photodetectors currently regarded among the most sensitive in the world, combining high internal gain with dense pixel architecture. The successful implementation of a buried-pixel MAPD architecture—known for enhanced optical isolation, reduced crosstalk, and improved timing performance—opens new technological prospects for high-precision photon detection. Thanks to their performance characteristics, the developed MAPD-TR photodiodes show strong potential for applications in:

• medicine and nuclear imaging,
• high-energy and particle physics,
• space and aerospace research,
• security and defense technologies,
• robotics and intelligent sensing systems.

This achievement was made possible through financial and organizational support from the INNMEDSCAN and DETMED projects, bringing together an international consortium of academic and industrial partners. The successful first-time realization of buried-pixel avalanche photodiodes in Türkiye not only highlights the growing role of Azerbaijani scientific expertise in advanced semiconductor technologies, but also lays a strong foundation for future joint research, pilot production, and international technology transfer.

E-NOSE PROJECT: PHD STUDENT SECONDED TO POLAND

Within the framework of the E-NOSE project, Namig Heydarov from the Institute of Radiation Problems has been seconded to NANOMATERIALS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SP. Z.O.O. The secondment is implemented with the support of the European Union and facilitated through MIMF‘s educational and research framework, strengthening institutional links between third-country partners and European research centers. The project is dedicated to the development of next-generation gas sensors based on metal-oxide nanopowder technologies, integrating advanced materials with multiparametric signal-processing algorithms to create compact devices. These sensors aim to achieve enhanced sensitivity and rapid response times. Beyond sensor development, the E-NOSE project promotes international knowledge exchange and collaboration between institutions, targeting innovative applications in security and public-health monitoring, including early detection of fires, epidemic threats, and hazardous activities, with strong potential for patentable scientific and technological outcomes.

DETMED PROJECT: AZERBAIJANI SCIENTISTS VISIT MIMF FOR KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

Within the framework of the DETMED project, Azerbaijani scientists visited MIMF as a consortium member to conduct a targeted knowledge exchange with students and young researchers. The visit focused on design and simulation, as well as sample preparation of a new generation of photosensors for nuclear medicine. Through hands-on sessions and joint discussions, participants shared practical expertise in photodetector modeling, technological workflows, and preparation of experimental samples, strengthening skills transfer across institutions. This exchange supports the DETMED project‘s forward-looking goal of developing advanced photosensor technologies for medical imaging, while fostering sustainable collaboration between research teams and training the next generation of specialists.

DETMED PROJECT: MIMF PHD STUDENTS AND ENGINEERS VISIT SETM IN AZERBAIJAN

Within the framework of the DETMED project, PhD students and engineers from MIMF visited in Azerbaijan, where they took part in joint experimental work and testing activities. During the visit, the participants were involved in hands-on experiments, including the testing and characterization of new photosensors for nuclear medicine. The activities enabled effective knowledge exchange between young researchers and experienced engineers, reinforcing technical skills and strengthening institutional cooperation within the DETMED consortium. This collaboration supports the DETMED project‘s long-term goal of developing advanced detector technologies while training the next generation of specialists through international mobility and shared experimental research.