Work

Image quality evaluation of imaging skins, a novel stretchable X-ray detector for intraoperative tumour imaging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents the development of a novel X-ray detector composed of silicone elastomer and GOS:Tb, which we refer to as imaging skins. These detectors were integrated into a custom X-ray system to convert radiation into visible light. Our study focused on how fabrication parameters such as thickness and concentration impact sensor linearity, considering their potential application directly on the skin or organs to identify tumour margins during surgery. In addition, we examined how the stretching capabilities of these detectors influenced the image quality. Our imaging detection stack demonstrated consistent linearity across various fabrication parameters with the coefficient of determination ([Formula: see text]) more than 0.99998, showing that the silicone elastomer does not affect the conversion of the X-ray into light. We achieved a spatial resolution of 1.16-1.42 lp/mm at 10% of the Spatial Frequency Response using a 0.5-mm thick sensor. This study represents a first step towards integrating stretchable X-ray detectors into clinical settings, particularly on curved surfaces, to unlock their full potential in complex surgical configurations. It also highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the interactions between X-rays and detector materials to fully interpret the observed effects.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-96768-z

Authors: Solène Dietsch, Harry Allan, Lukas Lindenroth, Robert Moss, Agostino Stilli, Danail Stoyanov

Institutions: Wellcome / EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London, The Francis Crick Institute, King's College London

Language: English

Topic: Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies

Subfield: Radiation

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690