Hashini Thirimanne

The aim of my PhD is to develop a low cost, ink-based X-ray detector which can be used in cancer therapy to accurately evaluate the dose delivered to patients. It could also be used for large-scale screening in security applications such as in airports, or to replace conventional radiation badges, as well as in a number of other areas.

My project is funded by the Leverhulme Trust charity and has given me the opportunity to collaborate with external partners. Through my work with the Royal Surrey County Hospital I’ve been able to test the X-ray detector under the medical linear accelerator (LINAC) which is used in cancer therapy. I’ve also been fortunate enough to work with the detector development group at Rutherford Appleton Labs. This has not only broadened my knowledge of my own subject, but also helped me understand how other labs function.