Flexible CsI
A flexible alternative to Fibre Optic Scintillators for a wide range of applications
Flexible Substrate CsI Scintillator
Traditionally, Scintacor has produced caesium iodide (CsI) X-ray scintillators where the CsI is deposited on a fibre-optic faceplate (FOP) and then over-coated with a protective film. The FOPs are composed of compressed bundles of glass optical fibres which transfer the photons created in the CsI layer, when it is bombarded with X-rays, to the CMOS/CCD sensor that the FOP is bonded to. Due to the light guiding properties of both the CsI and the optical fibres in the FOP, the bright image created in the CsI is transferred to the sensor with minimal lateral spread of the light – optimising the resolution.
Scintacor has developed a product where the CsI is deposited on a thin flexible substrate which is easily cut to shape before deposition. The CsI and substrate is encapsulated in a protective film and remains flexible. This allows the scintillator to be then later laminated to a sensor or FOP or even to be used on a curved sensor or FOP.
Conventional FOP based CsI based X-Ray device
Flexible CsI based X-Ray device
In an FOP based device the light travels to the sensor from the bottom of the CsI film. In the flexible CsI product, the light comes out of the tops of the columns instead, traveling into the sensor or FOP via a protective layer. The substrate protects the top of the device – being on the side of the CsI that the X-rays enter. The device is pressed in position against the sensor or FOP. Both types of scintillator work equally well and have similar X-ray performance but the FOP based device is better at blocking X-rays from the sensor, as the FOP glass has heavy elements in it.
A range of flexible substrates is available and can be reflective or black to change the brightness / resolution balance.
CsI layer grown on flexible substrate showing columnar structure.
Light exits from the spear shaped tips of the columns at the top of the image
Scintacor’s Flexible CsI Scintillators are available with areas up to 310 X 310 mm2 and the CsI layer is 100µm to 450µm thick. They are available in high resolution and high light output versions.
Typical applications
- Intra oral dental applications
- Extra oral applications such as jaw and head scanning
- Dental CT
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Scientific X-ray
- Pathology
- Electronics inspection
Why Scintacor?
Scintacor has a wealth of experience manufacturing and developing CsI based products using a variety of substrate materials including glass, aluminium and polymers. We continuously improve and extend our capabilities to meet the needs of your applications. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements in more detail.
Benefits & Features
- High resolution micro-columnar CsI scintillator layer
- Flexible substrate
- Customisable size and shape
- Choice of CsI thickness for higher brightness and SNR
- Choice of substrate to favour resolution or brightness
- Edge-to-edge coating with high uniformity.
- Fully encapsulated devices to prevent moisture ingress
