A New High Sensitivity High Resolution Sensor for X-Ray CT

To address issues of sub-optimal performance of current X-ray CT scanners used by the first re-sponding providers to expedite diagnosis and triage, we are developing a novel scintillator that offers a unique promise to achieve high-sensitivity, high-resolution X-ray imaging through its integration into exist-ing CT detectors. The material we propose is recently discovered, and offers exceptionally high scintilla-tion efficiency, high density, high effective atomic number, and fast decay with no afterglow. Our Phase I research has accomplished the growth of this material in conventional and specialized formats suitable for simultaneously achieving high X-ray absorption and high spatial resolution, and thus has established its efficacy for demanding military and civilian CT applications. A patent application in-corporating the Phase I results have been filed. The Phase II research is a logical extension of the Phase I efforts, and is aimed at delivering large area scintillators suitable for medical and industrial CT and to pursue its commercialization. To ensure success, we have amended our team by the addition of a major manufacturer of advanced X-ray detec-tors, who has agreed to participate in the Phase II program to conduct detailed evaluation of the scintilla-tor through its integration into some of their new detectors.