In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers has unveiled a new generation of low-cost, flexible X-ray detectors that could revolutionize various fields, ranging from cancer therapy to enhanced airport security scanning. The conventional construction of X-ray detectors, typically utilizing heavyweight and inflexible materials like silicon or germanium, has now been surpassed by this innovative technology, according to the researchers behind the advancement.
The latest X-ray detectors, notably more affordable and adaptable, can be precisely molded around the subjects being scanned, significantly enhancing the accuracy of patient screening procedures and minimizing the associated risks in cancer imaging and radiotherapy applications, the researchers assert.
Prabodhi Nanayakkara, who spearheaded the research at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, emphasized the remarkable qualities of the new material. “This new substance is both versatile and cost-effective, boasting impressive sensitivity. Its tissue-comparable attributes are particularly intriguing, opening doors for live dosimetry, which has remained unattainable with existing technologies,” stated Nanayakkara.
The research findings were recently published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science, shedding light on the limitations of currently available X-ray detectors, which are predominantly cumbersome, rigid, energy-intensive, and financially prohibitive, particularly when extensive area coverage is required.
While organic semiconductors composed of hydrogen and carbon offer a more pliable alternative, they tend to deliver less detailed X-ray images compared to standard detectors, as noted by the researchers.
To address this critical gap, the research team developed ink-based devices by integrating small quantities of high atomic number materials with an organic semiconductor. Building upon previous studies, the team affirms that the newly developed detector mimics human tissue behavior under X-ray exposure, potentially paving the way for the implementation of safer imaging methodologies, including radiation therapy, mammography, and radiography.
Highlighting the diverse potential applications of this cutting-edge technology, Professor Ravi Silva, director of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute, remarked, “This latest innovation holds promise for a wide range of applications, spanning from radiotherapy to the scanning of historical artifacts and security screening procedures.”
Echoing the sentiment, Professor Martin Heeney from Imperial College London, UK, and co-author of the study, expressed enthusiasm about the initial breakthrough, emphasizing the vast scope for further advancements in the field. This significant progress marks a significant leap forward in the evolution of X-ray detection technology, underscoring its potential to revolutionize various domains, including medical diagnostics, security, and historical preservation.
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