Dr. Mohd Sharizal Bin Alias
Assistant Professor, Higher Colleges of Technology
"The prestigious Dubai Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Grant epitomizes Dubai’s commitment to advancing bold and future-focused research that will help shape Dubai’s knowledge economy and reinforce its global leadership in research and innovation. As a grant recipient, I am excited and privileged to contribute to Dubai’s vision outlined above via our innovative project. By combining advanced semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence, we aim to develop a novel nitride semiconductor-based neutron detector for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, enabling efficient and precise radiation therapy for cancer diagnostics and treatment."
This project aims to develop an innovative semiconductor-based neutron detector specifically designed for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), a promising cancer treatment. Current neutron detectors perform at an acceptable level but are hindered by bulkiness, complex electronics, and poor gamma discrimination, limiting their use in compact or implantable applications.
Here, we propose a nitride-based semiconductor detector to achieve high sensitivity and precision in neutron monitoring. Utilizing advanced semiconductor microfabrication, this detector will be realized as miniaturized chips that can be seamlessly integrated into BNCT systems. The compact platform supports real-time neutron flux mapping and potential use as implantable dosimeters, enabling personalized cancer therapy. This project introduces transformative technology to improve the accuracy of BNCT treatment and clinical outcomes.
The project directly aligns with Dubai’s priority areas of health innovation and engineering, developing a next-generation semiconductor neutron detector for the BNCT system, and will advance clinical and translational health by advancing precision cancer diagnostics and treatment. We will integrate advanced materials and nanoengineering to develop a next-generation semiconductor neutron detector and utilize artificial intelligence for analyzing material and device characterization data.
The research team collectively brings over 20 years of expertise in compound semiconductors, encompassing device physics, material growth, microfabrication, and material/device characterization. The team has successfully published over 150 articles in top-tier journals and holds numerous patents in these areas. The principal investigator is also recognized in the Elsevier-Stanford world top 2% ranked scientist list in the field of optoelectronics and photonics. The team’s strong track record will be instrumental in successfully delivering the next-generation semiconductor neutron detector envisioned in this project.
Ultimately, the outcomes of this project will place the UAE at the forefront of BNCT and semiconductor-based medical technologies, attracting international collaborations and investment while reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a hub of innovation and advanced healthcare solutions.