High-resolution direct-conversion x-RAY detectors for low-dose imaging

Funding Agency & Program: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Mental Health Research Grants Program (CFDA 93.242)

Award Details: Capesym Inc. (doing business as Cape Simulations) received a Project Grant award of $925,411 with an award date of September 1, 2025, and a completion date of August 31, 2027. The company will develop and validate high-performance, low-cost direct-conversion X-ray imaging technology based on perovskite sensors for medical imaging applications. Key deliverables include optimized perovskite sensor film architecture for uniform large-area coverage, full-scale flat panel X-ray imager (FPXI) detector prototypes, and comprehensive validation studies demonstrating the technology's performance across medical imaging modalities.

The research will produce advanced X-ray imaging technology that achieves superior X-ray sensitivity, exceptional spatial resolution, and high contrast-to-noise ratio while reducing patient radiation exposure. The technology is designed for application across mammography, general radiography, and tomosynthesis. By successfully completing this project, Capesym will deliver healthcare providers with superior diagnostic tools that improve early cancer detection capabilities, reduce radiation exposure risks, and lower healthcare costs through more affordable imaging systems. The research methodology combines advanced materials engineering, specialized fabrication techniques incorporating ultra-high purity material synthesis and novel charge transport architecture, and systematic evaluation protocols.

Abstract

This project aims to develop and validate high-performance, low-cost direct-conversion x-RAY imaging technology based on perovskite sensors for medical imaging applications. Current x-RAY imaging faces fundamental limitations in achieving both high spatial resolution and detection efficiency, leading to suboptimal diagnostic accuracy and increased radiation exposure. The proposed flat panel x-RAY imagers (fpxis) address these challenges through superior x-RAY sensitivity, exceptional spatial resolution, and high contrast-to-noise ratio, enabling enhanced diagnostic capabilities while reducing patient radiation exposure. The research objectives include: (1) optimizing perovskite sensor film architecture for uniform large-area coverage while maintaining high sensitivity-to-dark-current ratios, (2) developing full- scale detector prototypes, and (3) conducting comprehensive validation studies. The research methodology combines advanced materials engineering and fabrication techniques, and systematic evaluation. Key innovations include ultra-high purity material synthesis, optimized large-area sensor deposition, and novel charge transport architecture. The technology enables significant radiation dose reduction while improving image quality across various medical applications including mammography, general radiography, and tomosynthesis. This development addresses critical healthcare needs by potentially improving early cancer detection capabilities, reducing radiation exposure risks, and lowering healthcare costs through more affordable imaging systems. The successful completion will provide healthcare providers with superior diagnostic tools while enhancing patient safety through reduced radiation exposure.