Dual heterogeneous interfaces enhance X-ray excited persistent luminescence for low-dose 3D imaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Radiological Imaging

Background:

• Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs) offer tunable X-ray-excited persistent luminescence (XEPL) for 3D imaging.
• Current methods require high X-ray doses and complex heating, limiting efficiency and resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance XEPL intensity in lanthanide-doped fluoride NPs.
• To develop safer and more efficient X-ray imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Constructing dual heterogeneous interfaces within a double-shell nanostructure (core@shell@shell).
• Investigating the impact of this structure on surface passivation and trap concentration.
• Utilizing NPs in a flexible film as a scintillation screen for 3D imaging.

Main Results:

• XEPL intensity was significantly improved for various lanthanide activators (Dy, Pr, Er, Tm, Gd, Tb).
• The core@shell@shell structure reduced non-radiative relaxation and increased trap concentration.
• Clear 3D imaging of a watch's internal structure was achieved using delayed XEPL.

Conclusions:

• Dual heterogeneous interfaces in double-shell NPs are effective for boosting XEPL.
• This approach enables safer, high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging.
• Findings pave the way for advanced persistent luminescence materials and imaging techniques.