Direct conversion medical imaging detector with Lead Oxide (PbO) x-ray-to-charge transducer.

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X-ray imaging detectors rely on indirect or direct conversion of x-ray quanta to an electron signal, with the indirect method most commonly on commercial systems. In this case the multi-stage conversion process begins with a scintillator converting x-ray quanta into optical photons. The optical photons in turn diffuse through a phosphor and then are converted to electrons by an array of photodiodes. In the direct method, the x-ray quanta are absorbed in a photoconductor that directly creates electrical charge to generate an electron signal in the imaging array. The major advantage inherent in direct conversion is high spatial resolution. Recently, Reznik's group at Lakehead University synthesized a new photoconductor material for direct conversion x-ray imaging systems, called amorphous Lead Oxide (a-PbO), and demonstrated that a-PbO-based detectors have greater sensitivity at lower x-ray exposures. This has the core benefit to the imaging system designer of either reducing the incident x-ray dose to acquire a diagnostic image, and thereby improve the overall safety of general radiography and image-guided interventional procedures, or at typical x-ray exposures to improve image quality. Teledyne DALSA, a Canadian and a global leader in digital imaging products and solutions for medical and industrial imaging markets, recognizes the high potential of the application of a-PbO as an x-ray-to-charge transducer in the next generation of DALSA's direct conversion flat panel x-ray imaging detectors. However, a-PbO technology has to be improved before its unique imaging properties can be realized in commercial systems. Particularly, for use in DALSA's detectors, a-PbO technology has to be tailored to DALSA's product requirements. This demands the use of specialized material science and engineering approaches, which are the expertise of the Reznik's group. Dr. Reznik's group is well-positioned to solve this company-specific problem and to adjust a-PbO technology for applications in DALSA's direct conversion x-ray medical imaging detectors for low-dose real-time applications.