A pixelated liquid perovskite array for high-sensitivity and high-resolution X-ray imaging scintillation screens

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Medical Imaging
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• High spatial resolution and low radiation dose rates are crucial for X-ray medical imaging.
• Thick scintillators improve X-ray absorption but often reduce spatial resolution due to optical crosstalk.
• There is a need for thick scintillators with excellent light-guiding properties to enhance sensitivity and resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel scintillator strategy for high-resolution X-ray imaging at low radiation doses.
• To embed liquid scintillators into lead-containing fiber-optical plates (FOPs) to overcome limitations of traditional scintillators.
• To evaluate the performance, stability, and potential applications of the developed liquid scintillator system.

Main Methods:

• Embedding a liquid scintillator, composed of perovskite quantum dots (QDs)/2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and α-bremnaphthalene solvent, into lead-containing FOPs using the siphon effect.
• Utilizing pixelated and thickness-adjustable scintillators for optimized performance.
• Characterizing the X-ray detector's detection limit, spatial resolution, radiation tolerance, and stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved a low detection limit of 79.1 μGy s⁻¹ and high spatial resolution of 4.6 lp mm⁻¹.
• Demonstrated excellent radiation tolerance (>34 hours) and ambient stability (>160 hours).
• The strategy is adaptable to other liquid scintillators, including CsPbCl₃ QDs and Mn:CsPbCl₃ QDs.

Conclusions:

• The developed CsPbBr₃ QDs/PPO liquid scintillator offers a promising solution for practical X-ray medical imaging.
• Combines high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, and excellent stability with ease of fabrication and maintenance.
• The reusable substrate matrix and adaptable strategy enhance its potential for widespread adoption in medical diagnostics.