A SPECT Camera for Combined MRI and SPECT for Small Animals

Exploring Non-Toxic Lower Dimensional Perovskites for Next-Generation X-Ray Detectors

Owing to their extraordinary photophysical properties, organometal halide perovskites are emerging as a new material class for X-ray detection. However, the existence of toxic lead makes their commercialization questionable and should readily be replaced. Accordingly, several lead alternatives have been introduced into the framework of conventional perovskites, resulting in various new perovskite dimensionalities. Among these, Pb-free lower dimensional perovskites (LPVKs) not only show promising X-ray detecting properties due to their higher ionic migration energy, wider and tunable energy bandgap, smaller dark currents, and structural versatility but also exhibit extended environmental stability. Herein, first, the structural organization of the PVKs (including LPVKs) is summarized. In the context of X-ray detectors (XDs), the outstanding properties of the LPVKs and active layer synthesis routes are elaborated afterward. Subsequently, their applications in direct XDs are extensively discussed and the device performance, in terms of the synthesis method, device architecture, active layer size, figure of merits, and device stability are tabulated. Finally, the review is concluded with an in-depth outlook, thoroughly exploring the present challenges to LPVKs XDs, proposing innovative solutions, and future directions. This review provides valuable insights into optimizing non-toxic Pb-free perovskite XDs, paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Reconfigurable perovskite X-ray detector for intelligent imaging

X-ray detection is widely used in various applications. However, to meet the demand for high image quality and high accuracy diagnosis, the raw data increases and imposes challenges for conventional X-ray detection hardware regarding data transmission and power consumption. To tackle these issues, we present a scheme of in-X-ray-detector computing based on CsPbBr3 single-crystal detector with convenient polarity reconfigurability, good linear dynamic range, and robust stability. The detector features a stable trap-free device structure and achieves a high linear dynamic range of 106 dB. As a result, the detector could achieve edge extraction imaging with a data compression ratio of ~50%, and could also be programmed and trained to perform pattern recognition tasks with a high accuracy of 100%. Our research shows that in-X-ray-detector computing can be used in flexible and complex scenarios, making it a promising platform for intelligent X-ray imaging.

Micro/Nano Perovskite Materials for Advanced X-ray Detection and Imaging

Halide perovskites have emerged as highly promising materials for ionizing radiation detection due to their exceptional characteristics, including a large mobility-lifetime product, strong stopping power, tunable band gap, and cost-effective crystal growth via solution processes. Semiconductor-type X-ray detectors employing various micro/nano perovskite materials have shown impressive progress in achieving heightened sensitivity and lower detection limits. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the applications of micro/nano perovskite materials for direct type X-ray detection, with a focus on the requirements for micro/nano crystal assembly and device properties in advanced X-ray detectors. We explore diverse processing techniques and optoelectronic considerations applied to perovskite X-ray detectors. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and promising opportunities for perovskite X-ray detector arrays in real-world applications, potentially necessitating further research efforts.

Phase-engineering compact and flexible CsPbBr3 microcrystal films for robust X-ray detection

All-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskites have gained significant attention due to their potential in direct X-ray detection. The fabrication of stable, pinhole-free thick films remains challenging, hindering their integration in durable, large-area high-resolution devices. In this study, we propose a facile strategy using a non-conductive polymer to create a flexible, compact thick film under ambient conditions. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of introducing the 2D CsPb2Br5 phase into CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals on their photophysical properties and charge transport. Upon X-ray exposure, the devices consisting of the dual phase exhibit improved stability and more effective operation at higher voltages. Rietveld refinement shows that, due to the presence of the second phase, local distortions and Pb-vacancies are introduced within the CsPbBr3 lattice. This in turn presumably increases the ion migration energy barrier, resulting in a very low dark current and hence, enhanced stability. This feature might benefit local charge extraction and, ultimately, the X-ray image resolution. These findings also suggest that introducing a second phase in the perovskite structure can be advantageous for efficient photon-to-charge carrier conversion, as applied in medical imaging.

Lattice-Gradient Perovskite KTaO3 Films for an Ultrastable and Low-Dose X-Ray Detector

Conventional indirect X-ray detectors employ scintillating phosphors to convert X-ray photons into photodiode-detectable visible photons, leading to low conversion efficiencies, low spatial resolutions, and optical crosstalk. Consequently, X-ray detectors that directly convert photons into electric signals have long been desired for high-performance medical imaging and industrial inspection. Although emerging hybrid inorganic-organic halide perovskites, such as CH3 NH3 PbI3 and CH3 NH3 PbBr3 , exhibit high sensitivity, they have salient drawbacks including structural instability, ion motion, and the use of toxic Pb. Here, this work reports an ultrastable, low-dose X-ray detector comprising KTaO3 perovskite films epitaxially grown on a Nb-doped strontium titanate substrate using a low-cost solution method. The detector exhibits a stable photocurrent under high-dose irradiation, high-temperature (200 °C), and aqueous conditions. Moreover, the prototype KTaO3 -film-based detector exhibits a 150-fold higher sensitivity (3150 µC Gyair -1 cm-2 ) and 150-fold lower detection limit (<40 nGyair s-1 ) than those of commercial α-Se-based direct detectors. Systematic investigations reveal that the high stability of the detector originates from the strong covalent bonds within the KTaO3 film, whereas the low detection limit is due to a lattice-gradient-driven built-in electric field and the high insulating property of KTaO3 film. This study unveils a new path toward the fabrication of green, stable, and low-dose X-ray detectors using oxide perovskite films, which have significant application potential in medical imaging and security operations.

Realization of Passive X-Ray Detection with a Low Detection Limit in Dion-Jacobson Halide Hybrid Perovskite

Halide hybrid perovskites are a kind of intriguing contenders for X-ray detection, and their low detection limits (LoDs) have played a crucial part in X-ray safety inspection and medical examination. However, there is still a significant challenge in manufacturing perovskite X-ray detectors with low LoDs. Herein, attributed to the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) of a Dion-Jacobson (DJ) type 2D halide hybrid perovskite polar structure (3-methylaminopropylamine)PbBr4 (1), self-powered X-ray detection with low detection limit is successfully realized. Specifically, the crystal-based detector of 1 exhibits a low dark current at zero bias, which reduces the noise current (0.34 pA), leading to a low detection limit (58.3 nGyair s-1 ) which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of under external voltage bias. The combination of BPVE and LoDs of halide hybrid perovskite provides an efficient strategy to achieve passive X-ray detection with low doses.

Seven general radiography x-ray detectors with pixel sizes ranging from 175 to 76μm: technical evaluation with the focus on orthopaedic imaging

Aim. Flat panel detectors with small pixel sizes general can potentially improve imaging performance in radiography applications requiring fine detail resolution. This study evaluated the imaging performance of seven detectors, covering a wide range of pixel sizes, in the frame of orthopaedic applications.Material and methods. Pixel sizes ranged from 175 (detector A175) to 76μm (detector G76). Modulation transfer function (MTF) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were measured using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) RQA3 beam quality. Threshold contrast (CT) and a detectability index (d') were measured at three air kerma/image levels. Rabbit shoulder images acquired at 60 kV, over five air kerma levels, were evaluated in a visual grading study for anatomical sharpness, image noise and overall diagnostic image quality by four radiologists. The detectors were compared to detector E124.Results. The 10% point of the MTF ranged from 3.21 to 4.80 mm-1, in going from detector A175to detector G76. DQE(0.5 mm-1) measured at 2.38μGy/image was 0.50 ± 0.05 for six detectors, but was higher for F100at 0.62. High frequency DQE was superior for the smaller pixel detectors, howeverCTfor 0.25 mm discs correlated best with DQE(0.5 mm-1). Correlation betweenCTand the detectability model was good (R2= 0.964).CTfor 0.25 mm diameter discs was significantly higher for D150and F100compared to E124. The visual grading data revealed higher image quality ratings for detectors D125and F100compared to E124. An increase in air kerma was associated with improved perceived sharpness and overall quality score, independent of detector. Detectors B150, D125, F100and G76, performed well in specific tests, however only F100consistently outperformed the reference detector.Conclusion. Pixel size alone was not a reliable predictor of small detail detectability or even perceived sharpness in a visual grading analysis study.

Lead-Free Halide Perovskites for Direct X-Ray Detectors

Lead halide perovskites have made remarkable progress in the field of radiation detection owing to the excellent and unique optoelectronic properties. However, the instability and the toxicity of lead-based perovskites have greatly hindered its practical applications. Alternatively, lead-free perovskites with high stability and environmental friendliness thus have fascinated significant research attention for direct X-ray detection. In this review, the current research progress of X-ray detectors based on lead-free halide perovskites is focused. First, the synthesis methods of lead-free perovskites including single crystals and films are discussed. In addition, the properties of these materials and the detectors, which can provide a better understanding and designing satisfactory devices are also presented. Finally, the challenge and outlook for developing high-performance lead-free perovskite X-ray detectors are also provided.

Advances in the Application of Perovskite Materials

Nowadays, the soar of photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells has set off a fever in the study of metal halide perovskite materials. The excellent optoelectronic properties and defect tolerance feature allow metal halide perovskite to be employed in a wide variety of applications. This article provides a holistic review over the current progress and future prospects of metal halide perovskite materials in representative promising applications, including traditional optoelectronic devices (solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, lasers), and cutting-edge technologies in terms of neuromorphic devices (artificial synapses and memristors) and pressure-induced emission. This review highlights the fundamentals, the current progress and the remaining challenges for each application, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the development status and a navigation of future research for metal halide perovskite materials and devices.

Efficient X-ray luminescence imaging with ultrastable and eco-friendly copper(I)-iodide cluster microcubes

The advancement of contemporary X-ray imaging heavily depends on discovering scintillators that possess high sensitivity, robust stability, low toxicity, and a uniform size distribution. Despite significant progress in this field, the discovery of a material that satisfies all of these criteria remains a challenge. In this study, we report the synthesis of monodisperse copper(I)-iodide cluster microcubes as a new class of X-ray scintillators. The as-prepared microcubes exhibit remarkable sensitivity to X-rays and exceptional stability under moisture and X-ray exposure. The uniform size distribution and high scintillation performance of the copper(I)-iodide cluster microcubes make them suitable for the fabrication of large-area, flexible scintillating films for X-ray imaging applications in both static and dynamic settings.

Composition Engineering Growth of Cs3Bi2I9 Single Crystals with Low Defect Density for X-ray Detectors

Cs₃Bi₂I₉ (CBI) single crystal (SC) is a promising material for a higher-performance direct X-ray detector. However, the composition of CBI SC prepared by the solution method usually deviates from the ideal stoichiometric ratio, which limits the detector performance. In this paper, based on the finite element analysis method, the growth model of the top-seed solution method has been established, and then the influence of precursor ratio, temperature field, and other parameters on the composition of CBI SC has been simulated. The simulation results were used to guide the growth of the CBI SCs. Finally, a high-quality CBI SC with a stoichiometric ratio of Cs/Bi/I = 2.87:2:8.95 has been successfully grown, and the defect density is as low as 1.03 × 10⁹ cm^-3, the carrier lifetime is as high as 16.7 ns, and the resistivity is as high as 1.44 × 10¹² Ω·cm. The X-ray detector based on this SC has a sensitivity of 29386.2 μC·Gy_air^-1 cm^-2 at an electric field of 40 V·mm^-1, and a low detection limit of 0.36 nGy_air·s^-1, creating a record for the all-inorganic perovskite materials.

Halide Perovskite: A Promising Candidate for Next-Generation X-Ray Detectors

In the past decade, metal halide perovskite (HP) has become a superstar semiconductor material due to its great application potential in the photovoltaic and photoelectric fields. In fact, HP initially attracted worldwide attention because of its excellent photovoltaic efficiency. However, HP and its derivatives also show great promise in X-ray detection due to their strong X-ray absorption, high bulk resistivity, suitable optical bandgap, and compatibility with integrated circuits. In this review, the basic working principles and modes of both the direct-type and the indirect-type X-ray detectors are first summarized before discussing the applicability of HP for these two types of detection based on the pros and cons of different perovskites. Furthermore, the authors expand their view to different preparation methods developed for HP including single crystals and polycrystalline materials. Upon systematically analyzing their potential for X-ray detection and photoelectronic characteristics on the basis of different structures and dimensions (0D, 2D, and 3D), recent progress of HPs (mainly polycrystalline) applied to flexible X-ray detection are reviewed, and their practicability and feasibility are discussed. Finally, by reviewing the current research on HP-based X-ray detection, the challenges in this field are identified, and the main directions and prospects of future research are suggested.

PbI2 -DMSO Assisted In Situ Growth of Perovskite Wafers for Sensitive Direct X-Ray Detection

Although perovskite wafers with a scalable size and thickness are suitable for direct X-ray detection, polycrystalline perovskite wafers have drawbacks such as the high defect density, defective grain boundaries, and low crystallinity. Herein, PbI2 -DMSO powders are introduced into the MAPbI3 wafer to facilitate crystal growth. The PbI2 powders absorb a certain amount of DMSO to form the PbI2 -DMSO powders and PbI2 -DMSO is converted back into PbI2 under heating while releasing DMSO vapor. During isostatic pressing of the MAPbI3 wafer with the PbI2 -DMSO solid additive, the released DMSO vapor facilitates in situ growth in the MAPbI3 wafer with enhanced crystallinity and reduced defect density. A dense and compact MAPbI3 wafer with a high mobility-lifetime (µτ) product of 8.70 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 is produced. The MAPbI3 -based direct X-ray detector fabricated for demonstration shows a high sensitivity of 1.58 × 104 µC Gyair-1  cm-2 and a low detection limit of 410 nGyair s-1 .

Interlayer-Assisted Growth of Si-Based All-Inorganic Perovskite Films via Chemical Vapor Deposition for Sensitive and Stable X-ray Detection

All-inorganic perovskites are considered as preferred materials for next-generation X-ray detectors. However, preparing high-quality thick films by traditional solution-based methods remains challenging due to the low solubility of the precursors. In this work, chemical vapor deposition technology is employed to grow Si-based all-inorganic cesium-lead-bromide perovskite thick films. By introducing a SnO₂ nanocrystal interlayer onto the Si substrate to facilitate the heterogeneous nucleation of the perovskite, we are able to grow high-quality films with a smooth surface and compact grains at a relatively low substrate temperature of 260 °C. The resultant X-ray detectors exhibit a decent sensitivity of 2930 μC Gy_air^-1 cm^-2, a small dark current density of 1.5 nA cm^-2, and a low detection limit of 120 nGy_air s^-1. Moreover, the devices show excellent biasing stability with a record small baseline drift of 4.6 × 10^-9 nA cm^-1 s^-1 V^-1 under a large electric field of 1100 V/cm among all perovskite polycrystalline film-based detectors ever reported.

Vertical matrix perovskite X-ray detector for effective multi-energy discrimination

Multi-energy X-ray detection is sought after for a wide range of applications including medical imaging, security checking and industrial flaw inspection. Perovskite X-ray detectors are superior in terms of high sensitivity and low detection limit, which lays a foundation for multi-energy discrimination. However, the extended capability of the perovskite detector for multi-energy X-ray detection is challenging and has never been reported. Herein we report the design of vertical matrix perovskite X-ray detectors for multi-energy detection, based on the attenuation behavior of X-ray within the detector and machine learning algorithm. This platform is independent of the complex X-ray source components that constrain the energy discrimination capability. We show that the incident X-ray spectra could be accurately reconstructed from the conversion matrix and measured photocurrent response. Moreover, the detector could produce a set of images containing the density-graded information under single exposure, and locate the concealed position for all low-, medium- and high-density substances. Our findings suggest a new generation of X-ray detectors with features of multi-energy discrimination, density differentiation, and contrast-enhanced imaging.

Pixelated Vacuum Flat Panel Detector Using ZnS Photoconductor and ZnO Nanowires Cold Cathode

Vacuum flat panel detectors (VFPDs) using cold cathode have important applications in large-area photoelectric detection. Based on the electron-bombardment-induced photoconductivity (EBIPC) mechanism, the photoconductor-type VFPDs achieved high detection sensitivity. However, pixelated imaging devices have not yet been developed. In this paper, we fabricate a 4 × 7 pixel vacuum flat panel detector array made of ZnS photoconductor and ZnO nanowires cold cathode for an imaging application. The responsivity of the device and the pixel current uniformity are studied, and imaging of the patterned objects is achieved. Our results verify the feasibility of VFPDs for imaging.

All-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals: next-generation scintillation materials for high-resolution X-ray imaging

With super strong penetrability, high-energy X-rays can be applied to probe the inner structure of target objects under nondestructive situations. Scintillation materials can down-convert X-rays into visible light, enabling the reception of photon signals and photoelectric conversion by common sensing arrays such as photomultiplier tubes and amorphous-Si photodiode matrixes. All-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals are emerging photovoltaic and scintillation materials, with tremendous light-conversion efficiency and tunable luminous properties, exhibiting great potential for high-quality X-ray imaging. Recent advancements in nanotechnology further accelerate the performance improvement of scintillation materials. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of novel all-inorganic perovskite nano-scintillators in terms of potential applications in low-dose X-ray medical radiography. Compared with conventional scintillators, the merits/drawbacks, challenges, and scintillation performance control will be the focus of this article.

Elimination of Interfacial-Electrochemical-Reaction-Induced Polarization in Perovskite Single Crystals for Ultrasensitive and Stable X-Ray Detector Arrays

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites have exhibited bright prospects in high-sensitivity X-ray detection. However, they generally suffer from the severe field-driven polarization issue that remarkably deteriorates the detection performance. Here, it is demonstrated that the interfacial electrochemical reaction between Au electrodes and halogen in MAPbI₃ single crystals (SCs) is the major source of the dark current polarization in the metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM)-structured perovskite X-ray detectors at the initial stage of biasing. By introducing the p- and n-type charge transport layers to isolate the electrodes from contacting the SC surface, the polarization is fully eliminated under a large electric field up to 1000 V cm^-1 . Moreover, the resultant lateral p-i-n heterojunction suppresses the dark current of the devices by nearly 3 orders of magnitude as compared to the MSM counterparts and therefore enables a high sensitivity of 5.2 × 10⁶  µC Gy^-1 _air cm^-2 and a record low X-ray detection limit down to 0.1 nGy_air s^-1 . The excellent biasing stability and sensitivity of the devices allow to prepare the linear detector arrays for X-ray imaging applications.

C+EffxNet: A novel hybrid approach for COVID-19 diagnosis on CT images based on CBAM and EfficientNet

COVID-19, one of the biggest diseases of our age, continues to spread rapidly around the world. Studies continue rapidly for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. It is of great importance that individuals who are infected with this virus be isolated from the rest of the society so that the disease does not spread further. In addition to the tests performed in the detection process of the patients, X-ray and computed tomography are also used. In this study, a new hybrid model that can diagnose COVID-19 from computed tomography images created using EfficientNet, one of the current deep learning models, with a model consisting of attention blocks is proposed. In the first step of this new model, channel attention, spatial attention, and residual blocks are used to extract the most important features from the images. The extracted features are combined in accordance with the hyper-column technique. The combined features are given as input to the EfficientNet models in the second step of the model. The deep features obtained from this proposed hybrid model were classified with the Support Vector Machine classifier after feature selection. Principal Components Analysis was used for feature selection. The approach can accurately predict COVID-19 with a 99% accuracy rate. The first four versions of EfficientNet are used in the approach. In addition, Bayesian optimization was used in the hyper parameter estimation of the Support Vector Machine classifier. Comparative performance analysis of the approach with other approaches in the field is given.

Halide perovskites scintillators: unique promise and current limitations

The widespread use of X- and gamma-rays in a range of sectors including healthcare, security and industrial screening is underpinned by the efficient detection of the ionising radiation. Such detector applications are dominated by indirect detectors in which a scintillating material is combined with a photodetector. Halide perovskites have recently emerged as an interesting class of semiconductors, showing enormous promise in optoelectronic applications including solar cells, light-emitting diodes and photodetectors. Here, we discuss how the same superior semiconducting properties that have catalysed their rapid development in these optoelectronic devices, including high photon attenuation and fast and efficient emission properties, also make them promising scintillator materials. By outlining the key mechanisms of their operation as scintillators, we show why reports of remarkable performance have already emerged, and describe how further learning from other optoelectronic devices will propel forward their applications as scintillators. Finally, we outline where these materials can make the greatest impact in detector applications by maximally exploiting their unique properties, leading to dramatic improvements in existing detection systems or introducing entirely new functionality.

Highly Resolved and Robust Dynamic X-Ray Imaging Using Perovskite Glass-Ceramic Scintillator with Reduced Light Scattering

All-inorganic perovskite quantum dots (QDs) CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) have recently emerged as a new promising class of X-ray scintillators. However, the instability of perovskite QDs and the strong optical scattering of the thick opaque QD scintillator film imped it to realize high-quality and robust X-ray image. Herein, the europium (Eu) doped CsPbBr3 QDs are in situ grown inside transparent amorphous matrix to form glass-ceramic (GC) scintillator with glass phase serving as both matrix and encapsulation for the perovskite QD scintillators. The small amount of Eu dopant optimizes the crystallization of CsPbBr3 QDs and makes their distribution more uniform in the glass matrix, which can significantly reduce the light scattering and also enhance the photoluminescence emission of CsPbBr3 QDs. As a result, a remarkably high spatial resolution of 15.0 lp mm-1 is realized thanks to the reduced light scattering, which is so far a record resolution for perovskite scintillator based X-ray imaging, and the scintillation stability is also significantly improved compared to the bare perovskite QD scintillators. Those results provide an effective platform particularly for the emerging perovskite nanocrystal scintillators to reduce light scattering and improve radiation hardness.

In and Al Schottky Contacts Comparison on P-Type Chlorine-Doped CdTe

The performance of the CdTe radiation detectors heavily relies on the method of contact preparation. A convenient research method addressing this problem is the laser-induced transient current technique. In this paper, we compare the performance of two CdTe crystals which underwent different metallization processes. We showed that appropriately designed Au/Al contacts induce much less bulk polarization than commercial Pt/In electrodes under the same working conditions and can thus provide a convenient alternative to the industry standard. The comparison was based on the monitoring of the time-dependent sensor polarization measuring transient currents excited by above-bandgap laser illumination complemented by the Am 241 gamma spectroscopy. The theoretical analysis of current waveforms and radiation spectra enabled us to determine the charge carrier mobility, mobility-lifetime products of electrons and holes, and temporal and bias dependence of the space charge formation.

Zero-Dimensional Lead-Free FA3Bi2I9 Single Crystals for High-Performance X-ray Detection

Direct X-ray detectors based on metal halide perovskites and their derivatives exhibit high sensitivity and low limit of detection (LoD). Compared with three-dimensional (3D) hybrid lead halide perovskites, low-dimensional A₃Bi₂I₉ perovskite derivatives (A = Cs, Rb, NH₄, CH₃NH₃(MA)) present better stability, greater environmental friendliness, and comparable X-ray detection performance. Here, we report FA₃Bi₂I₉ (FA= CH(NH₂)₂) single crystals (SCs) as a new member of the A₃Bi₂I₉ series for X-ray detection, which were prepared by the nucleation-controlled secondary solution constant temperature evaporation (SSCE) method. Centimeter-sized FA₃Bi₂I₉ SCs show a full width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 0.0096°, which is superior to that of recently reported Cs₃Bi₂I₉ (0.058°) and MA₃Bi₂I₉ SCs (0.024°) obtained by inverse temperature crystallization (ITC). The as-grown FA₃Bi₂I₉ SC shows a large resistivity of 7.8 × 10¹⁰ Ω cm and a high ion migration activation energy (E_a) of 0.56 eV, which can guarantee a low noise level and good operational stability under a large external bias. The FA₃Bi₂I₉ SC detector exhibits a LoD of 0.2 μGy_air s^-1, a sensitivity of 598.1 μC Gy_air ^-1 cm ^-2, and an X-ray detection efficiency of 33.5%, which are much better than those of the commercialized amorphous selenium detector. Results presented here will provide a new lead-free perovskite-type material to achieve green, sensitive, and stable X-ray detectors.

Low-dose real-time X-ray imaging with nontoxic double perovskite scintillators

X-rays are widely used in probing inside information nondestructively, enabling broad applications in the medical radiography and electronic industries. X-ray imaging based on emerging lead halide perovskite scintillators has received extensive attention recently. However, the strong self-absorption, relatively low light yield and lead toxicity of these perovskites restrict their practical applications. Here, we report a series of nontoxic double-perovskite scintillators of Cs2Ag0.6Na0.4In1-yBiyCl6. By controlling the content of the heavy atom Bi3+, the X-ray absorption coefficient, radiative emission efficiency, light yield and light decay were manipulated to maximise the scintillator performance. A light yield of up to 39,000 ± 7000 photons/MeV for Cs2Ag0.6Na0.4In0.85Bi0.15Cl6 was obtained, which is much higher than that for the previously reported lead halide perovskite colloidal CsPbBr3 (21,000 photons/MeV). The large Stokes shift between the radioluminescence (RL) and absorption spectra benefiting from self-trapped excitons (STEs) led to a negligible self-absorption effect. Given the high light output and fast light decay of this scintillator, static X-ray imaging was attained under an extremely low dose of ∼1 μGyair, and dynamic X-ray imaging of finger bending without a ghosting effect was demonstrated under a low-dose rate of 47.2 μGyair s-1. After thermal treatment at 85 °C for 50 h followed by X-ray irradiation for 50 h in ambient air, the scintillator performance in terms of the RL intensity and X-ray image quality remained almost unchanged. Our results shed light on exploring highly competitive scintillators beyond the scope of lead halide perovskites, not only for avoiding toxicity but also for better performance.

Efficient and Reabsorption-Free Radioluminescence in Cs3Cu2I5 Nanocrystals with Self-Trapped Excitons

Radioluminescent materials (scintillators) are widely applied in medical imaging, nondestructive testing, security inspection, nuclear and radiation industries, and scientific research. Recently, all-inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystal (NC) scintillators have attracted great attention due to their facile solution processability and ultrasensitive X-ray detection, which allows for large area and flexible X-ray imaging. However, the light yield of these perovskite NCs is relatively low because of the strong self-absorption that reduces the light out-coupling efficiency. Here, NCs with self-trapped excitons emission are demonstrated to be sensitive, reabsorption-free scintillators. Highly luminescent and stable Cs3Cu2I5 NCs with a photoluminescence quantum yields of 73.7%, which is a new record for blue emission lead-free perovskite or perovskite-like NCs, is produced with the assistance of InI3. The PL peak of the Cs3Cu2I5 NCs locates at 445 nm that matches with the response peak of a silicon photomultiplier. Thus, Cs3Cu2I5 NCs are demonstrated as efficient scintillators with zero self-absorption and extremely high light yield (≈79 279 photons per MeV). Both Cs3Cu2I5 NC colloidal solution and film exhibit strong radioluminescence under X-ray irradiation. The potential application of Cs3Cu2I5 NCs as reabsorption-free, low cost, large area, and flexible scintillators is demonstrated by a prototype X-ray imaging with a high spatial resolution.

Flexible, Printable Soft-X-Ray Detectors Based on All-Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dots

Metal halide perovskites represent a family of the most promising materials for fascinating photovoltaic and photodetector applications due to their unique optoelectronic properties and much needed simple and low-cost fabrication process. The high atomic number (Z) of their constituents and significantly higher carrier mobility also make perovskite semiconductors suitable for the detection of ionizing radiation. By taking advantage of that, the direct detection of soft-X-ray-induced photocurrent is demonstrated in both rigid and flexible detectors based on all-inorganic halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) synthesized via a solution process. Utilizing a synchrotron soft-X-ray beamline, high sensitivities of up to 1450 µC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 are achieved under an X-ray dose rate of 0.0172 mGy_air s^-1 with only 0.1 V bias voltage, which is about 70-fold more sensitive than conventional α-Se devices. Furthermore, the perovskite film is printed homogeneously on various substrates by the inexpensive inkjet printing method to demonstrate large-scale fabrication of arrays of multichannel detectors. These results suggest that the perovskite QDs are ideal candidates for the detection of soft X-rays and for large-area flat or flexible panels with tremendous application potential in multidimensional and different architectures imaging technologies.

Halide lead perovskites for ionizing radiation detection

Halide lead perovskites have attracted increasing attention in recent years for ionizing radiation detection due to their strong stopping power, defect-tolerance, large mobility-lifetime (μτ) product, tunable bandgap and simple single crystal growth from low-cost solution processes. In this review, we start with the requirement of material properties for high performance ionizing radiation detection based on direct detection mechanisms for applications in X-ray imaging and γ-ray energy spectroscopy. By comparing the performances of halide perovskites radiation detectors with current state-of-the-art ionizing radiation detectors, we show the promising features and challenges of halide perovskites as promising radiation detectors.

Halide lead perovskites have emerged recently as possible candidates for high performance radiation detectors besides efficient solar cells. Here Wei et al. review the recent progress on perovskite based radiation detectors and suggest that they may compete with the conventional counterparts.

Indirect X-ray Detectors Based on Inkjet-Printed Photodetectors with a Screen-Printed Scintillator Layer

Organic photodetectors (PDs) based on printing technologies will allow to expand the current field of PD applications toward large-area and flexible applications in areas such as medical imaging, security, and quality control, among others. Inkjet printing is a powerful digital tool for the deposition of smart and functional materials on various substrates, allowing the development of electronic devices such as PDs on various substrates. In this work, inkjet-printed PD arrays, based on the organic thin-film transistor architecture, have been developed and applied for the indirect detection of X-ray radiation using a scintillator ink as an X-ray absorber. The >90% increase of the photocurrent of the PDs under X-ray radiation, from about 53 nA without the scintillator film to about 102 nA with the scintillator located on top of the PD, proves the suitability of the developed printed device for X-ray detection applications.

Kinect-Based Correction of Overexposure Artifacts in Knee Imaging with C-Arm CT Systems

Objective. To demonstrate a novel approach of compensating overexposure artifacts in CT scans of the knees without attaching any supporting appliances to the patient. C-Arm CT systems offer the opportunity to perform weight-bearing knee scans on standing patients to diagnose diseases like osteoarthritis. However, one serious issue is overexposure of the detector in regions close to the patella, which can not be tackled with common techniques. Methods. A Kinect camera is used to algorithmically remove overexposure artifacts close to the knee surface. Overexposed near-surface knee regions are corrected by extrapolating the absorption values from more reliable projection data. To achieve this, we develop a cross-calibration procedure to transform surface points from the Kinect to CT voxel coordinates. Results. Artifacts at both knee phantoms are reduced significantly in the reconstructed data and a major part of the truncated regions is restored. Conclusion. The results emphasize the feasibility of the proposed approach. The accuracy of the cross-calibration procedure can be increased to further improve correction results. Significance. The correction method can be extended to a multi-Kinect setup for use in real-world scenarios. Using depth cameras does not require prior scans and offers the possibility of a temporally synchronized correction of overexposure artifacts. To achieve this, we develop a cross-calibration procedure to transform surface points from the Kinect to CT voxel coordinates.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of a vascular network by dynamic tracking of magnetite nanoparticles

PURPOSE

Visualization of small blood vessels feeding tumor sites provides important information on the tumors and their microenvironment. This information plays an important role in targeted drug therapies using magnetic gradients. However, capabilities of current clinical imaging modalities may be insufficient to resolve complex microvascular networks. The purpose of this study is to map the vascular network, 3D, based on the magnetic susceptibility contrast.

METHODS

Magnetic particles induce an inhomogeneity in the MRI's magnetic field in an order much larger than their real size. This is an approach to compensate the spatial resolution insufficiency of a clinical MR scanner. Micron-sized agglomerations of magnetite nanoparticles were injected in a 3D phantom vascular network, and a fast multislice, multiacquisition MR sequence was applied to track the agglomerations along their trajectories. The experiment was performed twice for two different imaging planes: coronal and transversal. The susceptibility artifact in the images indicated the presence and the position of the agglomerations. The calculated positions through multiple images were assembled to build up the 3D distribution of the vascular network.

RESULTS

The calculated points were compared with the centerline of the channels, extracted from the 3D reference image, to determine the absolute measurement error. The mean error was measured to be approximately half of the pixel's size. It was found that the positioning error on the axis perpendicular to the imaging slice was nearly twice as high as on the imaging plane axes due to the slice thickness. In order to compensate for the lack of resolution on the perpendicular axis, the reconstruction was performed using a combination of coronal and transversal data. The combination of the coordinates led to a significant decrease in the mean measurement error at each segment in the vascular network (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A method for 3D reconstruction of a microvascular network based on the susceptibility contrast in MRI and using a clinical scanner and a commercial receiver coil was proposed. The method presents a novel approach for reconstruction of vascular networks using the susceptibility effect. The proposed method may be applied to resolve vascular networks at a micrometric scale.

Opportunities for Fluorochlorozirconate and Other Glass-Ceramic Detectors in Medical Imaging Devices

This article gives an overview of fluorochlorozirconate glass-ceramic scintillators and storage phosphor materials: how they are synthesized, what their properties are, and how they can be used in medical imaging. Such materials can enhance imaging in x-ray radiography, especially mammography and dental imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. Although focusing on fluorochlorozirconate materials, the reader will find the discussion is relevant to other luminescent glass and glass-ceramic systems.