The Wonder Material Revolutionizing Medical Imaging

Cadmium zinc telluride is a game-changing material in medical imaging, but what makes it so special?

TL;DR
• Cadmium zinc telluride is a semiconductor material used in medical imaging.
• It allows for highly detailed, 3D images of patients' lungs.
• The material is difficult to manufacture but has many applications in various fields.

Summary
The medical field is witnessing a significant transformation with the advent of advanced imaging technologies. A case in point is the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, which has introduced a new scanner that utilizes cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) to produce highly detailed, 3D images of patients' lungs. This technology has reduced examination time from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes and enables the detection of tiny blood clots in patients with long Covid or pulmonary embolism.

Key benefits of CZT-based scanners include:
• Reduced radiation doses: The scanner's sensitivity allows for a 30% reduction in the radioactive substance injected into patients' bodies.
• Improved image quality: CZT enables the production of highly detailed, 3D images.
• Increased efficiency: Examinations are significantly shorter.

CZT is a semiconductor material that can detect tiny photon particles in X-rays and gamma rays with incredible precision. Its applications extend beyond medical imaging to X-ray telescopes, radiation detectors, and airport security scanners. However, CZT is notoriously difficult to manufacture, with only a few organizations worldwide capable of producing it. Kromek, a British company, is one such organization that has developed an industrial-scale production process for CZT.

The demand for CZT is high, with various research organizations and industries seeking to utilize its unique properties. For instance, the Diamond Light Source research facility in Oxfordshire is set to upgrade its capabilities with CZT-based detectors, enabling it to produce significantly brighter X-rays. As the demand for CZT continues to grow, manufacturers like Kromek face the challenge of meeting the needs of diverse customers while ensuring the quality and precision of their products.

The use of cadmium zinc telluride in medical imaging has the potential to revolutionize patient care, but its challenges in manufacturing must be addressed.