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.