Switching Structure Research Articles

From Solid to Fluid: Novel Approaches in Neuromorphic Engineering.

Neuromorphic engineering is rapidly developing as an approach to mimicking processes in brains using artificial memristors, devices that change conductivity in response to the electrical field (resistive switching effect). Memristor-based neuromorphic systems can overcome the existing problems of slow and energy-inefficient computing that conventional processors face. In the Introduction, the basic principles of memristor operation and its applications are given. The history of switching in sandwich structures and granular metals is reviewed in the Historical Overview. Particular attention is paid to the fundamental articles from the pre-memristor era (the 1960s-70s), which demonstrated the first evidence of resistive switching and predicted the filamentary mechanism of switching. Multi-dimensionality in neuromorphic systems: Despite the powerful computational abilities of traditional memristor arrays, they cannot repeat many organizational characteristics of biological neural networks, i.e., their multi-dimensionality. This part reviews the unconventional nanowire- and nanoparticle-based neuromorphic systems that demonstrate incredible potential for use in reservoir computing due to the unique spiking change in conductance similar to firing in neurons. Liquid-based neuromorphic devices: The transition of neuromorphic systems from solid to liquid state broadens the possibilities for mimicking biological processes. In this section, ionic current memristors are reviewed and, the working principles of which bring us closer to the mechanisms of information transmittance in real synapses. Nanofluids: A novel direction in neuromorphic engineering linked to the application of nanofluids for the formation of reconfigurable nanoparticle networks with memristive properties is given in this section. The Conclusion t summarizes the bullet points of the Review and provides an outlook on the future of liquid-state neuromorphic systems.

Enhancing Target Detection: A Fluorescence-Based Streptavidin-Bead Displacement Assay.

Fluorescence-based aptasensors have been regarded as innovative analytical tools for the detection and quantification of analytes in many fields, including medicine and therapeutics. Using DNA aptamers as the biosensor recognition component, conventional molecular beacon aptasensor designs utilise target-induced structural switches of the DNA aptamers to generate a measurable fluorescent signal. However, not all DNA aptamers undergo sufficient target-specific conformational changes for significant fluorescence measurements. Here, the use of complementary 'antisense' strands is proposed to enable fluorescence measurement through strand displacement upon target binding. Using a published target-specific DNA aptamer against the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, we designed a streptavidin-aptamer bead complex as a fluorescence displacement assay for target detection. The developed assay demonstrates a linear range from 50 to 800 nanomolar (nM) with a limit of detection calculated at 67.5 nM and a limit of quantification calculated at 204.5 nM. This provides a 'fit-for-purpose' model assay for the detection and quantification of any target of interest by adapting and functionalising a suitable target-specific DNA aptamer and its complementary antisense strand.

Putting the squeeze on valence tautomerism in cobalt-dioxolene complexes

Molecules that can reversibly switch between electronic states under an external stimulus are of interest to numerous applications. Complexes of open shell metal ions with redox active ligands undergo valence tautomerism, resulting in magnetic, colour and structural switching, relevant to data storage and actuators. However, the precise structural changes occurring during valence tautomerism in the solid state are unclear due to the lack of atomic-resolution characterization. Here, variable temperature and high-pressure single crystal X-ray diffraction is used to characterize valence tautomerism in two isostructural cobalt complexes, [Co(bis(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl) amine)(3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-dioxolene)]+ and [Co(tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine)(3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-dioxolene)]+ to atomic resolution. The less sterically hindered dimethylated complex exhibits two-step thermally-induced interconversion between the high-spin CoII-seminquinonate and low-spin CoIII-catecholate forms (valence tautomerism) at 155 and 95 K due to the presence of two symmetry-independent complexes. In contrast, the more sterically hindered trimethylated complex does not display thermal valence tautomerism. Both complexes exhibit unique behaviour under high pressure. The dimethylated species undergoes gradual, one-step valence tautomerism in both symmetry-independent complexes concurrently between 0.43 GPa and 1.30 GPa. In the trimethylated species, pressure is sufficient to overcome steric hindrance, leading to one-step valence tautomerism between 2.60 GPa and 3.10 GPa, demonstrating pressure-triggered valence tautomerism in a thermally inactive complex. This study is among the few investigations using in situ high-pressure single crystal X-ray diffraction to achieve atomic-level structural characterization of valence tautomerism, aiding the development of robust structure-property relationships in these types of complexes.

Aptamer-Mediated Electrochemical Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein in Saliva.

Gold standard detection of SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) can achieve ultrasensitive viral detection down to a few RNA copies per sample. Yet, the lengthy detection and labor-intensive protocol limit its effectiveness in community screening. In view of this, a structural switching electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor (E-AB) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein was developed. Four N protein-targeting aptamers were characterized on an electrochemical cell configuration using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The sensor was investigated in an artificial saliva matrix optimizing the aptamer anchoring orientation, SWV interrogation frequency, and target incubation time. Rapid detection of the N protein was achieved within 5 min at a low nanomolar limit of detection (LOD) with high specificity. Specific N protein detection was also achieved in simulated positive saliva samples, demonstrating its feasibility for saliva-based rapid diagnosis. Further research will incorporate novel signal amplification strategies to improve sensitivity for early diagnosis.

Features of the structure and resistive switching of titanium oxide films on Y-cut piezoelectric substrate of a LiNbO3 crystal

The difference in the structure of titanium oxide thin films deposited on fused silica substrates and the Y-cut of a lithium niobate crystal is demonstrated. In both cases, the film is amorphous; however, an insignificant amount of rutile crystallites is observed in the film formed on the Y-cut of the lithium niobate crystal. It is shown that the electrical characteristics of the films depend not only on the material of the substrate, but, in the case of the lithium niobate substrate, also on the direction of an electric field. This is caused by the deformation of the substrate due to the inverse piezoelectric effect.

Giant resistance switch in twisted transition metal dichalcogenide tunnel junctions

Abstract Resistance switching in multilayer structures are typically based on materials possessing ferroic orders. Here we predict an extremely large resistance switching based on the relative spin-orbit splitting in twisted transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers tunnel junctions. Because of the valence band spin splitting which depends on the valley index in the Brillouin zone, the perpendicular electronic transport through the junction depends on the relative reciprocal space overlap of the spin-dependent Fermi surfaces of both layers, which can be tuned by twisting one layer. Our quantum transport calculations reveal a switching resistance larger than 106% when the relative alignment of TMDs goes from 0º to 60º and when the angle is kept fixed at 60º and the Fermi level is varied. By creating vacancies, we evaluate how inter-valley scattering affects the efficiency and find that the resistance switching remains large (104%) for typical values of vacancy concentration. Not only should this resistance switching be observed at room temperature due to the large spin splitting, but our results also show how twist angle engineering and control of van der Waals heterostructures could be used for next-generation memory and electronic applications.

An analog switch circuit structure suitable for low-distortion transmission

Abstract A MOSFET analog switch circuit structure suitable for low-distortion bidirectional signal transmission is proposed. By introducing a “threshold voltage matching MOSFET” into the MOSFET switch driver circuit structure, the driving voltage corrected by the threshold voltage is generated by the driving circuit, eliminating the problem of poor conduction on-resistance flatness in traditional analog switch circuit structure due to MOSFET second-order effects and non-constant overdrive voltage. The circuit completed schematic and layout design based on the 0.13 μm BCD process. Simulation results show that the switch has bidirectional transmission capability, with a typical on-resistance value of 115 Ω. It achieves less than 5% on-resistance non-flatness under resistive loads ranging from 500 Ω to 1 KΩ, which is more than 50% improvement compared to traditional analog switch structures. Moreover, the on-resistance flatness is insensitive to changes in load and temperature.

Effect of stability state transition of variable potential well in tri-hybridized energy harvesters

Energy harvesting is a crucial technology for self-powering wireless sensor nodes and mobile terminals. In addressing this, we utilized a variable potential well to create a tri-hybrid energy harvester that integrates piezoelectric effect, electromagnetic induction, and triboelectric effect. The compression and stretching of a compressible magnet-spring oscillator alter the system’s potential well, thereby promoting the operation of the piezoelectric unit (PU), electromagnetic unit (EU), and triboelectric unit (TU). A coupled electromechanical model using Hamilton’s principle was established. By calculating the static potential energy and restoring force, we discussed the stability state transition, revealing that when the magnet distance is less than 38 mm, the system transitions from a mono-stable to a bi-stable state. The experimental study investigated the impact of excitation and structural parameters on voltage and power. A high excitation level enhances all three units. The TU demonstrates excellent electrical performance under high potential energy in the bi-stable state, while the PU performs best in mono- and bi-stable switching structure. The EU shows relatively balanced electrical performance across various conditions. These findings offer new insights into enhancing energy harvesting capabilities for external circuits.

Magnetic Structure-Dependent Spin Texture Lattice in Hexagonal MnFeCoGe Magnets.

Topological spin textures are of great significance in magnetic information storage and spintronics due to their high storage density and low drive current. In this work, the transformation of magnetic configuration from chaotic labyrinth domains to uniform stripe domains was observed in MnFe1-xCoxGe magnets. This change occurs due to the noncollinear magnetic structure switching to a uniaxial ferromagnetic structure with increasing Co content, as identified by neutron diffraction results and Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (L-TEM). Of utmost importance, a hexagonal lattice of high-density robust type-II magnetic bubble lattice was established for x = 0.8 through out-of-plane magnetic field stimulation and field-cooling. The dimensions of the type-II magnetic bubbles were found to be tuned by the sample thickness. Therefore, the stabilization of complex magnetic spin textures, associated with enhanced uniaxial ferromagnetic interaction and magnetic dipole-dipole interaction in MnFe1-xCoxGe through magnetic structure manipulation, as further confirmed by the micromagnetic simulations, will provide a convenient and efficient strategy for designing topological spin textures with potential applications in spintronic devices.

Influence of HfO2 oxide layer on crystallization properties of In3SbTe2 phase change material

Phase Change Memory (PCM) represents a potential paradigm in the realm of non-volatile memory technologies, and several phase change materials are studied for utilization in PCM devices. This work employs a less explored In3SbTe2 (IST) phase change material (active layer) integrated with an oxide (HfO2) layer and investigates the influence of the oxide layer on the active layer. The oxide layer remains amorphous when annealed at 400 °C, and it doesn’t alter the crystallization temperature (290 °C) of the active layer in IST with HfO2 thin-film. However, after crystallization, the grain size of the active layer is reduced to ∼8.23 nm in IST with HfO2 thin-film, compared to only IST thin-film. XPS core-level spectra (In 3d, Sb 3d, Te 3d) of IST active layer reveal the peak shifting towards higher binding energy at 300 °C and 400 °C annealed films, implying bond energy increase with crystallization and film stability improves. The Hf or O atoms of the oxide layer don’t diffuse into the active layer with annealing, suggesting no interference with the phase switching property of IST. A higher optical bandgap of 1.154 eV in as-deposited IST with HfO2 thin-film compared to the only IST thin-film illustrates better stability of the amorphous state in the film with the oxide layer. In addition, the fabricated PCM device using the IST with the oxide layer demonstrates phase switching at a lower threshold voltage of (2.1 ± 0.1) V, compared to the IST-based device. The findings indicate that the enhanced structural and electrical switching characteristics of IST phase change layer coupled with an oxide layer make it beneficial for data storage PCM applications.

Ultra-low-energy operation of electromagnetic bi-stable actuator under restricted energy supply

During the periodic drug administration for chronic diseases, unexpected battery depletion can be significantly problematic for the patients. While body heat harvesting utilizing the wearable thermoelectric generator (WTEG) shows the significant potential in continuous drug delivery systems (DDSs) by providing ceaseless power source, the power and the voltage output might not be sufficient to drive micropump actuators in such drug delivery systems. The continuous actuating current also imposes an additional challenge in developing efficient and compact voltage boosting circuits. In this paper, we propose an ultra-low-energy operating method of the WTEG-powered electromagnetic micropump system. In combination with our electromagnetic bi-stable actuator (EBA) where the energy demand is discretized, we present (1) the dedicated high-efficient charge pumps (CPs) (2) and the actuating pulse control method to prevent redundant energy waste. The proposed 10-stage charge pump is designed to reduce the conversion loss by utilizing multiple flying-capacitor switching structure, and the 2-stage series–parallel charge pump (SPCP) is fabricated with flexible thin-film super-capacitors (TFSCs) to realize the high boosting performance within compact and wearable features. Applying the proposed control method with the 10-stage CP in our WTEG-powered micropump system, we significantly reduce the charging time per actuation by 88.8% compared to the commercial boosting circuit. Also, the 2-stage SPCP achieves 84.0% reduction in the charging time while utilizing flexible and wearable features, showing a significant potential for self-powered wearable healthcare applications.

Corrin Ring Modifications Reveal the Chemical and Spatial Requirements for the B12-btuB Riboswitch Interaction.

The btuB riboswitch is a regulatory RNA sequence controlling gene expression of the outer membrane B12 transport protein BtuB by specifically binding coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl) as its natural ligand. The B12 sensing riboswitch class is known to accept various B12 derivatives, leading to a division into two riboswitch subclasses, dependent on the size of the apical ligand. Here we focus on the role of side chains b and e on affinity and proper recognition, i. e. correct structural switch of the btuB RNA, which belongs to the AdoCbl-binding class I. Chemical modification of these side chains disturbs crucial hydrogen bonds and/or electrostatic interactions with the RNA, its effect on both affinity and switching being monitored by in-line probing. Chemical modifications at sidechain b of vitamin B12 show larger effects indicating crucial B12-RNA interactions. When introducing the same modification to AdoCbl the influence of any side-chain modification tested is reduced. This renders the impact of the adenosyl-ligand for B12-btuB riboswitch recognition clearly beyond the known role in affinity.

Recent Developments in Fe-Based Electrodeposited Thin Films

Electrodeposition is a commonly employed technique for synthesizing magnetic thin films, serving both fundamental research and practical applications. Of particular interest are Fe-based alloys like NixFe1-x and Fe1-xGax, as fundamental properties of ferromagnets as saturation magnetization (Msat), Curie temperature (TC), magnetic anisotropy (K) and magnetostriction constant (λ) strongly depend on the composition [1-2]. This work presents our latest findings on Fe-based thin films and multilayers, exploring diverse phenomena ranging from controlling magnetization switching in magnetoelastic structures to fine-tuning the out-of-plane (OOP) component of magnetization [3-4].Materials exhibiting moderate perpendicular magnetic anisotropy can develop stripe domains above a critical thickness (tcr). In addition to the interest in the basic understanding of this magnetic texture, nowadays, there is an increasing attention in this type of domains since they can be used for example for spin waves generation. The Ni80Fe20 alloy known as permalloy has been widely investigated because of its low coercivity and null magnetostriction. Sputtered Ni80Fe20 layers has been reported to have tcr around 300 nm [5], and its formation is generally believed to be due to columnar growth. However, for applications like magnetoimpedance, these stripes can be undesirable, hindering the growth of sufficiently thick layers to fabricate reliable sensors. Therefore, it is of interest the control of stripe domains in NixFe1-x films and whether the electrodeposition technique can also be used to tailor the appearance of this magnetic texture. Initially, we have examined the formation of stripe domains in the Ni90Fe10 alloy that is also of great interest because of its low coercivity and negative magnetrostriction (λ ~ -20 ppm). Subsequently, we have analyzed the magnetic behavior of electrodeposited NixFe1-x films in which the Fe content has been increased up to 30 at. %. Experimental results show that for Ni90Fe10 films magnetic stirring during growth suppresses the presence of stripes even for a thickness exceeding 1 µm. On the other hand, when growing with unstirred electrolyte, tcr can be reduced if a perpendicular magnetic field of 100 Oe is applied during samples growth. Eventually, it has been observed that tcr depends on the Fe content in the NixFe1-x and no stripes are observed for a content above 13 at.% when no perpendicular magnetic field is applied during growth.We have also investigated a bilayer structure comprised of two magnetic layers with opposite signs for the magnetostriction constant, Ni90Fe10 (λ ~ -20 ppm) and Fe70Ga30 (λ~ 70 ppm) to analyze the effect of magnetoelasticity on the magnetization reversal process. The exchange correlation length is a key parameter that determines the transition region between two opposite directions of the magnetization that depends on characteristics such as the magnetic anisotropy and the exchange stiffness constant. It is also used to quantify the domain wall thickness (δ) that can be considered as the distance over which the magnetic moments are correlated by exchange interactions, and that plays a fundamental role on magnetic systems relying on interfacial interactions as spring magnets or exchange-biased systems. Since the thickness of the layers cannot be higher than δ to avoid the magnetic switching of uncoupled regions, this implies that the thickness of layers is intrinsically limited in systems with interfacial coupling. We have studied Ni90Fe10/Fe70Ga30 bilayers with thicknesses exceeding δ to analyze the magnetic switching in these new magnetoelastic bilayer structures. 500 nm-thick Ni90Fe10 and Fe70Ga30 single layers have coercive fields of 22 Oe and 42 Oe, respectively, which guarantees that independent magnetic switchings from each layer can be experimentally observed.This has been confirmed by micromagnetic simulations performed by OOMF in which magnetoelasticity has not been included. However, when measuring the hysteresis loops of different NiFe/FeGa samples with thicknesses exceeding δ it is observed an in-unison magnetization reversal in all cases. Since magnetoelasticity is not an interfacial effect, it enables to control the magnetization reversal process of the whole bilayer regardless of the thickness being possible to promote this simultaneous reversal process regardless of the layer thickness (Fig.1).In conclusion, these results highlight the capability of electrodeposition to achieve new magnetic systems with enhanced functionalities.[1] J. M. D. Coey. Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. Cambridge University Press (2010)[2] Q. Xing, Y. Du, R. J. McQueeney, T. A. Lograsso. Acta Mater. 56 (2008) 4536−4546.[3] N. Coton, J. P. Andres, A. Cabrera, M. Maicas, R. Ranchal. J. Appl. Phys. 134 (2023) 103904.[4] N. Coton, J.P. Andres, E. Molina, M. Jaafar, R. Ranchal. J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 565 (2023) 170246.[5] M. Romera, R. Ranchal, D. Ciudad, M. Maicas, C. Aroca, J. Appl. Phys. 110 (2011) 083910 Figure 1

Lorentz Force-Actuated Bidirectional Nanoelectromechanical Switch with an Ultralow Operation Voltage.

The high operating voltage of conventional nanoelectromechanical switches, typically tens of volts, is much higher than the driving voltage of the complementary metal oxide semiconductor integrated circuit (∼1 V). Though the operating voltage can be reduced by adopting a narrow air gap, down to several nanometers, this leads to formidable manufacturing challenges and occasionally irreversible switch failures due to the surface adhesive force. Here, we demonstrate a new nanowire-morphed nanoelectromechanical (NW-NEM) switch structure with ultralow operation voltages. In contrast to conventional nanoelectromechanical switches actuated by unidirectional electrostatic attraction, the NW-NEM switch is bidirectionally driven by Lorentz force to allow the use of a large air gap for excellent electrical isolation, while achieving a record-low driving voltage of <0.2 V. Furthermore, the introduction of the Lorentz force allows the NW-NEM switch to effectively overcome the adhesion force to recover to the turn-off state.

Structural switch in acetylcholine receptors in developing muscle.

During development, motor neurons originating in the brainstem and spinal cord form elaborate synapses with skeletal muscle fibres1. These neurons release acetylcholine (ACh), which binds to nicotinic ACh receptors (AChRs) on the muscle, initiating contraction. Two types of AChR are present in developing muscle cells, and their differential expression serves as a hallmark of neuromuscular synapse maturation2-4. The structural principles underlying the switch from fetal to adult muscle receptors are unknown. Here, we present high-resolution structures of both fetal and adult muscle nicotinic AChRs, isolated from bovine skeletal muscle in developmental transition. These structures, obtained in the absence and presence of ACh, provide a structural context for understanding how fetal versus adult receptor isoforms are tuned for synapse development versus the all-or-none signalling required for high-fidelity skeletal muscle contraction. We find that ACh affinity differences are driven by binding site access, channel conductance is tuned by widespread surface electrostatics and open duration changes result from intrasubunit interactions and structural flexibility. The structures further reveal pathogenic mechanisms underlying congenital myasthenic syndromes.

Macroscopic modeling of flexoelectricity-driven remanent polarization in piezoceramics

This paper presents a variational modeling framework for investigating the flexoelectricity-driven evolution of remanent polarization in piezoceramics. In small-scale electromechanical systems, strain gradients can exhibit polarization in dielectric materials via the direct flexoelectric effect. In ferroelectrics, it is reasonable to expect that a sufficiently large magnitude of the flexoelectricity leads to a switching of the domain structure and thus the material becomes remanently polarized. It is interesting to note that this means that poling would be able to occur in the absence of any external electrical source. This provides the motivation to gain a better understanding of this effect for a possible technical use in e.g. sensor applications. For this purpose, a macroscopic model is presented that couples flexoelectricity and ferroelectric domain switching processes. By embedding the model in the variational framework of the generalized standard materials (GSM), a minimum-type potential structure and thus a stable and efficient numerical treatment is obtained. A mixed finite element formulation based on the Helmholtz free energy is introduced to solve the higher-order flexoelectric boundary value problem. In order to realistically predict the flexoelectric material behavior, the model response is adapted to experimental results in literature obtained for a piezoceramic in a bending test. By simulations based on the adapted model the evolution of the flexoelectricity-driven remanent polarization in the vicinity of a notch is shown.

The Orange Carotenoid Protein Triggers Cyanobacterial Photoprotection by Quenching Bilins via a Structural Switch of Its Carotenoid.

Cyanobacteria were the first microorganisms that released oxygen into the atmosphere billions of years ago. To do it safely under intense sunlight, they developed strategies that prevent photooxidation in the photosynthetic membrane, by regulating the light-harvesting activity of their antenna complexes-the phycobilisomes-via the orange-carotenoid protein (OCP). This water-soluble protein interacts with the phycobilisomes and triggers nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), a mechanism that safely dissipates overexcitation in the membrane. To date, the mechanism of action of OCP in performing NPQ is unknown. In this work, we performed ultrafast spectroscopy on a minimal NPQ system composed of the active domain of OCP bound to the phycobilisome core. The use of this system allowed us to disentangle the signal of the carotenoid from that of the bilins. Our results demonstrate that the binding to the phycobilisomes modifies the structure of the ketocarotenoid associated with OCP. We show that this molecular switch activates NPQ, by enabling excitation-energy transfer from the antenna pigments to the ketocarotenoid.

Control and synchronisation of an extended hyperchaotic system based on robust switching control

This paper introduces a new class of hyperchaotic systems developed based on Chen's hyperchaotic system. The hyperchaotic nature of the developed system is proven through the calculation of the positive Lyapunov exponent and simulation. A robust feedback control method is then introduced to stabilise the system. To enhance the security of telecommunication channels for information exchange, a switching structure comprising extended hyperchaotic systems is presented. The synchronisation problem of the proposed structure is addressed using a robust switched linear control method. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed controller in guaranteeing system stability and solving the synchronisation problem thus increasing security in telecommunication networks.

A systematic search for RNA structural switches across the human transcriptome

RNA structural switches are key regulators of gene expression in bacteria, but their characterization in Metazoa remains limited. Here, we present SwitchSeeker, a comprehensive computational and experimental approach for systematic identification of functional RNA structural switches. We applied SwitchSeeker to the human transcriptome and identified 245 putative RNA switches. To validate our approach, we characterized a previously unknown RNA switch in the 3ʹ untranslated region of the RORC (RAR-related orphan receptor C) transcript. In vivo dimethyl sulfate (DMS) mutational profiling with sequencing (DMS-MaPseq), coupled with cryogenic electron microscopy, confirmed its existence as two alternative structural conformations. Furthermore, we used genome-scale CRISPR screens to identify trans factors that regulate gene expression through this RNA structural switch. We found that nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay acts on this element in a conformation-specific manner. SwitchSeeker provides an unbiased, experimentally driven method for discovering RNA structural switches that shape the eukaryotic gene expression landscape.

On the Feasibility of an LCD-Based Real-Time Converter for Ionizing Radiation Imaging.

Here we present the cascade converter (CC), which provides real-time imaging of ionizing radiation (IoR) distribution. It was designed and manufactured with the simplest architecture, utilizing liquid crystal display (LCD) technology. Based on two merged substrates with transparent electrodes, armed with functional layers, with the cell filled with nematic liquid crystal, a display-like, IoR-stimulated CC was achieved. The CC comprises low-absorbing polymer substrates (made of polyethylene terephthalate-PET) armed with a transparent ITO electrode covered with a thin semipermeable membrane of polymer (biphenylperfluorocyclobutyl: BP-PFCB) doped with functional nanoparticles (NPs) of Lu2O3:Eu. This stack was covered with a photoconductive layer of α-Se and finally with a thin polyimide (PI) layer for liquid crystal alignment. The opposite substrate was made of LCD-type glass with ITO and polyimide aligning layers. Both substrates form a cell with a twisted structure of nematic liquid crystal (TN) driven with an effective electric field Eeff. An effective electric field driving TN structure is generated with a sum of (1) a bias voltage VBIAS applied to ITO transparent electrodes and (2) the photogenerated additional voltage VXray induced between ITO and α-Se layers with a NPs-doped BP-PFCB polymer layer in-between. The IoR (here, X-ray) conversion into real imaging of the IoR distribution was achieved in the following stages: (1) conversion of IoR distribution into non-ionizing red light emitted with functional NPs, (2) transformation of red light into an electric charge distributed in a layer of the photoconductive α-Se, which is what results in the generation of distributed voltage VXray, and (3) a voltage-mediated, distributed switching of the TN structure observed with the naked eye. The presented imaging device is characterized by a simple structure and a simple manufacturing process, with the potential for use as a portable element of IoR detection and as a dosimeter.