Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

From GEM and NEG to Licences

and Start-UpsTwo examples of KT @

CERNDr. 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

100 mm

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

• During discussions between the CERN technical experts and the KT group, patents applications were made for several GEM related technologies• This is done when it facilitates the exploitation of the

technology• The filed patent itself is published, and scientific papers

can be published after filing• GEM technology and Know-How are licensed to

numerous companies, that supply CERN and other parties• The license usually includes a training, and royalties are

due over commercial use• The technology community regularly meets and

organises workshops to further promote applications in various fields

Patents and Licences on GEM technology

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

GEM spin-off companies; why and how?

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 Process – Licensing & Spin-Off

• Establish application potential of technology

• Confirm support of lead inventorTechnology &

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

Supp

ort o

f CER

N KT

gro

up

Time

• Many R&D and commercial licences

• Regular sale of foils

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 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 assessment favourable

Team members at CERN on several

occasions

2015 Collaboration with existing small companyEarly concept

drawing of instrument

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

Another example; from NEGs…NEGs - Non-Evaporable Getter thin film coatingsTechnology used to create and maintain ultra-high vacuum

Licensed to several companies

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

… to CERN spin-off SRB EnergyThe innovative use of NEGs within solar energy collectors was developed at CERN and commercialized by the CERN spin-off company, SRB Energy.

Vacuum acts as an excellent insulator!

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

… used at Geneva Airport!

Thermal solar collector panels on the roof of Geneva airport

Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training

CERN KT Support• Assistance with administrative,

logistical, and market research related matters

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

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