Configures Detectors to Optimize 2D and 3D Gamma Ray and X-Ray Images in Medical and Industrial Applications
This radiographic imaging device allows for the inexpensive mass production of X-ray and gamma ray imagers for widespread use. The global imaging devices market is projected to generate more than $46.65 billion in revenue by 2023. Despite growing demand, available radiographic imagers either utilize unoptimized combinations of technology or are expensive and time intensive to manufacture.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an automated imaging device that uses advanced detector configurations to promote superior imaging performance compared to available technologies while also lowering costs.
Application
Two-dimensional and three-dimensional radiographic and tomographic devices that reduce radiation exposure in medical and industrial imaging
Advantages
- Improves two-dimensional (i.e. planar/radiographic) and three-dimensional (i.e. computed tomography) imaging in both medical and industrial applications, increasing potential for profit with diverse markets
- Easily manufactures through automation, greatly reducing fabrication costs and ensuring accurate fabrication
- Eliminates manual assembly, reducing opportunities for human error
- Lowers X-ray imaging doses for patients in medical applications, significantly lowering risk for diseases such as secondary carcinogenesis
- Lowers radiation exposure to personnel working with on-site imaging in homeland security or industrial applications
Technology
High-performance radiographic imaging requires inserting high-light output clear scintillators into a tungsten housing matrix, then optimally matching them to a photodiode. Currently, such imagers are manufactured manually. University of Florida researchers designed this radiographic imaging device to utilize custom tungsten housing matrices loaded with scintillators optimized for the imaging application of interest to achieve superior imaging quality. An automated process produces tungsten alloy housing matrices through stack lamination of microlayers that are fabricated by existing tomolithographic molding technology based on lithography. After this, either a robotic arm or an automated electrostatic vacuum gradient-based loading process inserts the scintillator elements into the tungsten alloy housing. This automated manufacture process provides a cost effective, mass-producible, and accurate solution to obtain high-performance gamma ray and X-ray imagers for medical and industrial applications.
Brochure
