Chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) may have found a way to reduce the cost of x-rays and CT scans by using novel nanocrystals, according to research published in Nature.
In the study, Liu Xiaogang, with NUS and colleagues created novel lead halide perovskite nanocrystals sensitive to x-ray irradiation. When used during flat-panel x-ray imaging, the researchers developed a new detector that senses x-rays at a radiation dose around 400 times lower than the standard dose used in diagnostics.
"Our technology uses a much lower radiation dose to deliver higher resolution images, and it can also be used for rapid, real-time x-ray imaging,” said author Liu Xiaogang, with NUS, in a press release. “It shows great promise in revolutionizing imaging technology for the medical and electronics industries. For patients, this means lower cost of x-ray imaging and less radiation risk.”
This is due to the simple and cost-friendly process used to create the nanocrystals, the authors noted.
The team’s nanocrystals were created as an alternative to current scintillator materials, which are crucial to converting high-energy x-ray photons to visualize luminescence, according to the release. They can also be modified to light up various colors in response to absorbed x-rays. Xiaogang et al. believe their nanocrystals could produce higher resolution images with less radiation exposure.
“Our creation of perovskite nanocrystal scintillators has significant implications for many fields of research and opens the door to new applications,” Xiaogang said. “We hope that this new class of high performance X-ray scintillator can better meet tomorrow's increasingly diversified needs."
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.