Zecotek Photonics Inc.,
a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for medical, industrial and
scientific markets, today announced that its patented LFS scintillation crystals
have been selected by Japan's prestigious Shinshu University for trials in their
next-generation Positron Emission Tomography (PET) medical imaging program.
Shinshu University's PET program is aimed directly at advancing improvements
in spatial resolution for more effective 3D imaging of cancer in particular
using the LFS crystal's superior performance which enables sub nano-second timing
resolution.
"The selection of Zecotek's LFS scintillation crystals enables the use
of smaller crystals which can be read independently providing a significant
cost advantage," said Dr. Tohru Takeshita, Head of Shinshu University Department
of Physics. "The signal of the LFS crystals is also rapid enough to allow
sub-nano second timing resolution. These are both critical attributes for enabling
a high resolution, next-generation PET system."
"We are delighted that Zecotek's LFS scintillation crystals have been
selected by Professor Takeshita and his group for their work on a next-generation
PET system," said Dr. Faouzi Zerrouk, Chairman and President of Zecotek.
"The selection of our scintillation material highlights the competitive
advantage of our components in bringing unprecedented granularity and segmentation
to a wide range of imaging technologies, including both PET and HEP calorimeters,
where Zecotek's LFS crystals and solid-state MAPD photo-detectors are being
utilized in the research of next-generation systems."
About LFS Scintillation Crystals
Zecotek has developed and patented a new class of patented advanced materials
for use in next-generation PET, PET-CT and PET-MRI medical imaging scanners.
When combined with Zecotek's MAPD solid-state photo detectors, the LFS scintillation
crystals allows for medical imaging devices to have higher resolution, enhanced
diagnosis, improved patient outcomes, faster patient throughput and lower unit
costs. Other medical applications for LFS are in micro-PET detectors, widely
used in drug research, and in gamma cameras used for breast and prostate examinations.
Non-medical applications include gamma ray detector systems for homeland security,
geological surveying, materials analysis, high energy physics and nuclear stockpile
monitoring.
Zecotek's LFS scintillation crystals and MAPD solid-state photo detectors together
would engage a growing annual market currently in excess of US $500 million.