X-rays are widely applied in diagnostic testing and industrial monitoring, from routine dental exams to airport luggage scans. However, the ionizing radiation that they produce can be hazardous if people are exposed to a high dose over an extended period. To counteract this risk, scientists have developed a new X-ray detector that improves safety by achieving high-quality images with a much-reduced dose of radiation.

Scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology report a highly sensitive, foldable X-ray detector in an article published in ACS Central Science. This could very well make X-ray imaging safer and more energy efficient and revolutionize the realm of medical imaging and a whole range of industrial uses.

X-rays are another type of electromagnetic radiation. It shares the same characteristic as visible light and radio waves but is more energetic and able to penetrate soft tissues and absorb denser materials, like bones. This differential absorption creates the shadowy, contrasting images typical of X-ray radiographs. One exposure does not pose harm, but repeated exposures result in cumulative radiation; patients, technicians, and equipment are threatened by the same exposure. Reduction of the dose while still obtaining good-quality images has long been considered challenging.

Omar F. Mohammed, the lead author of the study, explained that their work focuses on reducing detection limits to create a safer and more efficient imaging process. He stated that this advancement lowers detection limits and opens the door to safer, more energy-efficient medical imaging and industrial monitoring. The key innovation lies in a novel electrical configuration of perovskite crystals, known as a cascade, which significantly reduces the device’s dark current, or residual background noise. This innovation improves the X-ray detection limit by five times compared to previous detectors using similar crystals.

The enhanced sensitivity allows for the production of high-resolution images even with lower radiation doses. For example, radiographs captured with this new detector revealed intricate details, such as the metal tip of a needle embedded in a raspberry and the internal components of a USB cable. These findings suggest the potential of this technology to capture subtle details in industrial monitoring, while also reducing radiation exposure during medical procedures.

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This promising development opens the door to the creation of foldable, highly sensitive X-ray devices that could lead to safer and more effective imaging techniques for both healthcare and industrial use. The ability to minimize radiation without sacrificing image quality could have significant implications for patient safety and the longevity of electronic equipment in various settings.