X-Ray

A revolution in X-ray imaging

QDI systems is the first and only company in the world developing a new and improved direct conversion material for X-rays, based on quantum dots.

Our partners

High Absorption of X-rays

Our quantum dots material exhibits one of the highest X-ray attenuation coefficients due to the 85% mass fraction in the conversion layer. In our quantum dot films, a thickness of just 100 micrometres would be enough to absorb over 95% of protons used for mammography applications. This high absorption efficiency also ensures superior image quality and sensitivity, making our quantum dots material ideal for medical imaging where precision and clarity are critical for patients’ wellbeing.

Lower Dose for Patients

Since the invention of X-rays, the biggest challenge remains reducing patients’ exposure to radiation, without compromising image quality. In order to achieve an X-ray with sufficient resolution and depth, usually a higher radiation dose is administered. Due to the low-impact ionization energy of our quantum dot material, absorbed X-ray photons deposit a much larger amount of charge in the conversion layer (compared to conventional X-ray technology). These charges are efficiently extracted to the backplane by applying as low as 0.5 V/um electric field. Together with low leakage current, this provides high signal-to-noise ratio, even at low dose rates.

Higher Image Resolution

Our quantum dots-based frontplane is truly amorphous, consisting of a few nanometer sized crystalline particles. This overcomes the limitations found in polycrystalline materials, where resolution is restricted by the large, micrometer-scale crystalline domains that cause charge sharing between pixels. With our technology, the resolution of quantum dot sensors is virtually only limited by the pixel size of the backplane, enabling higher precision and clarity in the final image.

How it works

Quantum dots & X-ray

Patented Production Process

Thanks to our proprietary synthesis method, we are able to effectively apply a continuous, crack-free semiconductive quantum dot layer on an X-ray panel detector and produce high quality images.

Advantages of our QD X-ray technology

High X-ray absorption and sensitivity: up to x10 more signal compared to a-Se
Amorphous structure: high resolution
Signal/dose linearity: low-dose imaging
Solution processability: cost-efficient deposition at large area

Applications

X-ray based imaging techniques are extensively used in a various medical fields such as mammography, fluoroscopy, and tomography. Outside of medicine, X-ray is used for non-destructive testing (NDT), security, archaeology and cultural heritage preservation, art conservation, and more.

We are the first company in the world developing a direct conversion quantum dot material which can be used to optimize how current X-ray imaging functions. Our main objective is use our unique quantum dot films to serve the medical imaging market, particularly in the field of mammography. By replacing the current gold standard of amorphous selenium with our technology, we are able to provide high-quality images to medical professionals for more accurate and early-stage diagnosis – all at a lower and safer dose of radiation for patients.

Prototype TFT Panels

As part of our continuous R&D efforts, we have developed a series of X-ray sensor prototypes.

These prototypes allowed us to test the efficacy of our technology for a variety of application, with different partners. Through this process, we’ve gathered extensive feedback from detector and sensor manufacturers in order to continue improving. Examples of those applications can be found in the sections that follow.

Large-area TFT

On the right is the result of using one of our larger-area TFT prototype panels (13 cm). An X-ray image was taken of a realistic hand model. The result is a clear, high definition image, showing even small details.

An image of that quality is already detailed and clear enough to meet medical diagnosis standards.

Detailed Imaging

On the left are the results from a prototype test we carried in our lab. A 120 um quantum dot film, with 7V bias was used to take images of a metal screw inserted into an opaque plastic tube.

The final image is of high quality and shows even small details with precision, such as the ridges of the screw.

Dental Imaging

On the right is the result of prototype testing specifically for dental application. Here, a smaller panel was used for detailed images of different sections of the teeth. Subsequently, all images were combined together digitally into a final image.

Exposure conditions: 80 kV, 1.5mA, sensor bias: 10V

Smartphone Pictures

Quantum dot-based sensors are a powerful tool for non-destructive testing and inspection as they can reveal structural and material features otherwise invisible at visible wavelengths. On the right is an example of smartphone images taken using our X-ray prototype sensor, which reveal great detail about the device internal structure.

Quantum Dot Solutions

X-RAY

SWIR

Revolutionising X-ray technology

Advancing SWIR technology