New X‑ray sensor promises safer imaging with less radiation
X-ray imaging is generally safe, but it can have negative effects at high intensities. Scientists have developed a solution that could change how patients and objects are imaged.
15 November 2024 14:14
Researchers from Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have developed a new X-ray sensor that allows for clearer images with significantly lower radiation doses. This innovation could revolutionize medical diagnostics and industrial applications of X-rays, making them more efficient and leading to safer practices.
X-rays are fundamental in modern diagnostic methods such as imaging and computed tomography and play a key role in industry. However, their ionizing nature poses health risks, especially with repeated exposure to high doses of radiation. While they are generally safe for patients, they can pose a threat to individuals operating radiation-generating devices, as cumulative radiation effects appear after many scans.
Scientists have been searching for ways to reduce exposure for patients and medical staff for years. Repeated exposure to high-energy radiation can pose a threat not only to human health but also damage electronic equipment, such as those scanned at airports. A team of researchers from King Abdullah University has made significant progress toward increasing safety by developing a novel, more sensitive X-ray detector.
- "This advancement reduces detection limits and paves the way for safer and more energy-efficient medical imaging and industrial monitoring," said Omar F. Mohammed, the lead author of the study published in the journal "ACS Central Science".
Safer imaging
To increase the detectors' sensitivity, scientists aimed to minimize the background noise generated by the device. For this purpose, they employed specialized perovskite crystals combined with a cascaded electrical system, which allowed them to reduce noise by nearly half. This significantly improved the detection limit of X-rays.
In tests, the new detector revealed minute details on radiograms, such as a metal needle piercing a raspberry or the internal components of a USB cable. The team of scientists claims that this technology could contribute to developing safer and more precise commercial X-ray devices in the future.
Like visible light and radio waves, X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with much higher energy. This allows them to penetrate most materials, including the human body's soft tissues. When creating an X-ray image, these rays pass through the body and are absorbed by denser tissues like bones, resulting in brighter areas on the radiogram.
The new sensor can significantly reduce the radiation dose needed to obtain a clear image, which is crucial for the safety of patients and staff. Additionally, this technology could have industrial applications, enabling more accurate monitoring with less risk of damage to electronic equipment.
