Researchers at the University of Surrey have determined the key design rules for manufacturing curved X-ray detectors to bring clearer and safer X-rays closer to reality.
Although the use of digital flat-panel detectors allows radiographers to examine X-rays and make faster diagnoses faster than older X-ray sensitive photographic films, flat panels are not suitable for complex shapes and geometries. human body. Relying solely on the flat panel means that there will be inevitable distortions at the edges of the image. The tablet can also prevent accurate recording of the delivered X-ray dose, which is a key feature for safer radiotherapy and minimizing secondary tumors.
So far, due to the brittle nature of rigid inorganic semiconductors used to manufacture flexible detectors, efforts to manufacture flexible detectors have not been successful. Some curvature has been achieved by using thinner semiconductor layers, but this affects performance levels and results in poor image quality.
However, in a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Science, researchers from the Institute of Advanced Technology at the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the University of Bologna, the National Laboratory of Physics, and the University of Sheffield, determined the design rules for special courses "organic "Inorganic" semiconductors in China. By adjusting the molecular weight of bismuth oxide nanoparticles to sensitize organic semiconductors to extend the polymer chain, researchers are paving the way for more robust, curved, high-sensitivity digital detectors or digital film.
Prabodhi Nanayakkara, the lead author of the study and a PhD student at the University of Surrey, said:
"Our bending detector concept shows excellent mechanical stability and enables the bending radius to be as small as 1.3 mm. Compared with traditional inorganic semiconductors made of silicon or germanium that require expensive crystal growth methods, organic or "organic" semiconductors are used. "Inorganic" semiconductors in China are also more cost-effective. Our approach may provide significant commercial advantages."
Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the Surrey Institute of Advanced Technology, said:
"The technology we are demonstrating will help create a revolutionary new type of high-sensitivity X-ray detector that is scalable due to the design and materials used. This technology is used in medical applications and other X-ray applications. This aspect has great potential, so we are cooperating with a spin-off company SilverRay, and hope to transform this technology into a high-sensitivity, high-resolution, flexible large-size X-ray detector of choice."
Read the full article: M. Prabodhi A. Nanayakkara et al., Molecular Weight Adjustment of Organic Semiconductors for Curved Organic-Inorganic Hybrid X-ray Detectors, Advanced Science, (2021). https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202101746
Molecular weight adjustment of organic semiconductors for curved organic-inorganic hybrid X-ray detectors
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Copyright © 2021 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)