Plastic X-ray Machine is Lighter and Stronger

Apr-21-14 Researchers have created a high-quality X-ray detector using a plastic substrate, reducing the weight of the unwieldy machines while also increasing their sturdiness.

The team first demonstrated "the world's first complete X-ray detector produced on a thin plastic substrate" in 2012. By changing the semiconductor materials, the team was able to reduce the process temperatures to a level compatible with plastic film.

The researchers have gone on to increase the device's performance by reducing the photodiode leakage current by a factor or 10,000. This allows it to produce a medical-quality image using a low radiation dose. According to Holst Centre’s Gerwin Gelinck, research team lead, "X-ray detectors on plastic could lead to lighter, more robust and less expensive X-ray systems that are easier to move around the hospital." The team is now planning to scale up the technology to produce a full size version of the X-ray device.

Image: Examples of X-ray image (left) and optical image (right) obtained with Holst Centre’s X-ray detector on plastic substrate

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[THE ENGINEER]

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