MAGICS Instruments makes electronics operate in radioactive environments

MAGICS Instruments was formed in late October 2015 as a spin-off company of the KU Leuven and the Belgian Nuclear Reseach Centre (SCK CEN) and continues to build on seven years of research in both institutions. MAGICS Instruments has developed advanced technology to ensure that electronic devices can still function under exceptionally strong radiation (e.g. in space or the nuclear sector). 

Exposure to radiation reduces the lifespan of electronics. MAGICS Instruments has developed chips which are highly resistant to radioactive radiation and other electromagnetic radiation of over 1 Mega Gray . MAGICS Instruments chips continue to function reliably in high radiation environments up to a thousand times longer. The pioneering technology from MAGICS Instruments also offers unprecedented opportunities for the use of electronics for interventions during nuclear accidents, nuclear reactor inspections, dismantling of old nuclear power plants, disposal of radioactive waste, space travel missions, and new nuclear developments such as nuclear fusion or the MYRRHA research reactor.

Commercial future

‘MAGICS Instruments is the missing link between the semi-conductor industry and the nuclear industry,’ says joint founder Jens Verbeeck, CEO of MAGICS Instruments. ‘Our technology has proved itself on several occasions during assignments from nuclear companies and opens the door to a whole range of electronic applications in nuclear environments. Our chips make it possible to deploy robots and inspection tools in nuclear power plants to carry out operations which involve risk to people’s lives. In case of nuclear disasters such as in Fukushima, our technology also offers tremendous added value.’