Lead Oxide (PbO) technology optimization

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Direct conversion x-ray detectors opened a new era in radiation medical imaging. Indeed, state-of-the-art directconversion mammographic detectors offer supreme detectability of small breast lesions not achievable withother methods. Currently, mammographic direct conversion detectors employ a layer of amorphous selenium(a-Se) to convert x-rays into measurable signal. Although a-Se offers probably unbeatable performance formammographic applications, it is a "soft" (i.e. low atomic number Z) material and suffers from suboptimalabsorption of energetic X-rays, used in general radiography. To extend diagnostic capabilities of the directconversion detectors over radiographic and fluoroscopic energy range, a-Se has to be replaced with high Zmaterial, which can efficiently stop energetic X-rays. The applicant, Dr. Alla Reznik and her research group atLakehead University recently synthesized an amorphous lead oxide (a-PbO) which became one of the mostpromising candidates for this purpose, due to high Z of Pb, high theoretical X-ray-to-signal conversionefficiency, adequate photoconductive properties and technological compatibility with flat panel detectortechnology. Although very promising, a-PbO layers are still experimental and require technological advancesfor practical utilization. Intlvac Inc., a Canadian leader in oxide deposition technology and currently looking toenter the market of radiation-sensitive coatings. Intlvac is interested in commercial success of PbO and willcollaborate with Dr. Reznik to make detector-grade a-PbO layers. We believe that utilization of a-PbO has apotential to create the most powerful x-ray diagnostic imaging systems to the benefit of healthcare in Canadaand worldwide by allowing the dose reduction or improvement of image quality at typical exposures.