A non-destructive testing tool from science to bring unprecedented sensitivity to industrial control
Posithôt’s industrial NDT solution leverages a non-radioactive positron source to measure the density of defects ranging in size from nanometer to micrometer. It is intended for use on critical or very-high-added-value parts during design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance.
The non-radioactive positron generator of Posithôt. Credit: Posithot
There is no such thing as a defect-free industrial part. The ability to monitor how defects evolve over time is the challenge—especially for parts that are critical or that are subjected to high mechanical, thermal, electrical, or photonic stresses. Posithôt’s non-destructive testing (NDT) solution can measure the density of atomic-scale defects and predict, very early on, how they will evolve over time.
The ability to effectively predict the appearance of microcracks, for example, can help parts manufacturers and users optimize designs, improve manufacturing processes, and adapt maintenance strategies, extending service life with a high degree of confidence. Industries that manufacture and use critical parts (space and defense) or that deal with high volumes (semiconductors) will benefit from the startup’s solution.
Posithôt’s CEO is a former CEA researcher. The startup was hosted by the CEA for its first five years. Its business model is based on defect density measurement services and the sale of equipment (the positron source) to end-users. Posithôt holds an exclusive license to the CEA patent behind the innovation.
Key figure: 1 Nanometer
Posithôt can measure defect densities at the nanometric scale—far more sensitive than the 0.3-millimeter capabilities of conventional NDT methods.
KEY Markets:
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Semiconductors
- Hydrogen industry
Technologies used:
Year founded: 2022
CEA Institute: CEA-Irfu