Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) set out to develop X-ray detection technology with reduced radiation dosage without compromising detection efficiency. The team developed a cascade-engineered approach that uses two interconnected single-crystal devices to mitigate dark current and enhance the detection limit.
Using methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite single crystals, the scientists engineered devices that significantly reduced detection thresholds and improved signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).
The detection threshold dropped from 590 nGy·s–1 with the conventional method to 100 nGy·s–1 using the cascade approach, surpassing the most recent record of 500 nGy·s–1 achieved for MAPbBr3 devices under nearly identical conditions.
The dark current was halved compared to that of conventional devices, and spatial resolution improved from 5.6 to 8.5 lp·mm–1.
Imaging trials confirmed improved resolution and effectiveness at low doses, highlighting the approach’s potential for medical diagnostics that prioritizes reducing radiation exposure without compromising image quality.
The innovative nature of this approach is highlighted by its adaptability across diverse electrical environments and crystal types, as evident in CdTe crystals, indicating its potential for widespread utilization in low-dose leakage monitoring and commercial X-ray devices.
The team stated in their work: "This groundbreaking discovery represents a significant shift in low-dose X-ray detection, with the potential to catalyze advancements in X-ray imaging technologies. Our research offers compelling evidence of the effectiveness of this approach in applications requiring minimal radiation exposure while ensuring excellent image quality. Therefore, our findings hold great importance for the field of low-dose leakage monitoring and foldable device detection as well as new methods for low-dose X-ray imaging".
