From Materials to Medical Images: Translating Perovskite-Based X-Ray Detectors Toward Clinical Imaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Medical Imaging Physics
• Detector Technology

Background:

• Modern medical X-ray imaging demands detectors with low-dose operation, high resolution, fast response, energy resolution, stability, and scalability.
• Metal halide perovskites offer potential as high-performance, low-cost X-ray absorbers due to tunable properties and processability.
• A significant gap exists between laboratory-scale perovskite X-ray detector demonstrations and the stringent requirements for clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review perovskite-based X-ray detectors from a materials-to-medical-images perspective.
• To define clinical imaging requirements using conventional detector materials as benchmarks.
• To analyze barriers and outline a roadmap for the clinical implementation of perovskite X-ray detectors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of perovskite-based X-ray detectors.
• Analysis of material properties relevant to X-ray detection.
• Evaluation of detector architectures and imaging metrics (e.g., MTF, NPS, DQE).

Main Results:

• Perovskites possess intrinsic properties favorable for X-ray detection, enabling both direct and indirect conversion designs.
• Clinical requirements extend beyond sensitivity, encompassing modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum, detective quantum efficiency, and stability.
• Progress in perovskite detector research is discussed in the context of these clinical imaging metrics.

Conclusions:

• Perovskite X-ray detectors hold significant potential for future low-dose, high-resolution, and energy-resolved clinical imaging.
• Addressing material properties, detector architectures, imaging metrics, and modality-specific needs is crucial for clinical translation.
• A clear roadmap is needed to overcome barriers and realize the clinical potential of perovskite-based X-ray detectors.