Quantum-enhanced Perovskite crystal scintillators for Innovative X-ray photon-counting in medical imaging and other applications (QuPIX)

forthcoming

"Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) heralds the next leap in (medical) X-ray imaging and delivers images with astonishingly high contrast, high spatial resolution, and low noise. Moreover, PCCT allows a reduction in X-ray dose compared to conventional CT. Uniquely, the spectral capabilities of PCCT (also called ""color"" CT) enable quantitative imaging functions, such as measuring tissue composition or the concentration of contrast agents. The widespread use of PCCT in hospitals is still hampered by high costs; PCCT scanners are 3 to 5 times more expensive than conventional CT systems. Moreover, current PCCT detector technology has limited accuracy in spectral imaging tasks. QuPIX will unlock the full clinical potential of X-ray photon counting, both in diagnosis and image-guided interventions, by delivering a new, affordable, and scalable X-ray photon counting detector based on quantum-enhanced perovskite scintillators (QuPS) and micro-avalanche photon counters (muAPC). QuPIX builds on recent scientific discoveries, while addressing major challenges related to fundamental QUPS characteristics such as light output, energy resolution, and X-ray stopping power. Moreover, a new light sensor is needed to optimally utilize the unique properties of QuPS. QuPIX will solve these challenges and validate the new detector technology at laboratory level, providing a solid foundation for the future commercial development of QuPIX-based imaging systems for the medical and other markets (e.g. security), with a combined volume of tens of billions of euros. The QuPIX consortium has all the expertise and facilities to achieve these objectives, following a multidisciplinary methodology that combines scientific investigation, dissemination, and exploitation. Ultimately, QuPIX will revolutionize medical imaging, make Europe the leader in PCCT detectors, improve the quality and affordability of healthcare, and allow patients to benefit from faster and more accurate diagnosis."