Kelly, Timothy (University of Saskatchewan)

Purpose

The ultimate goal of this project is to produce new flat panel X-ray image detectors (used in mammographic screening for breast cancer) with increased sensitivity at a substantially reduced cost. This will be achieved by replacing the semiconductor currently used in these devices (arsenic-doped amorphous selenium) with lead halide perovskites. This family of perovskite materials has had a transformative impact on solar energy research, owing to a unique combination of high absorption cross-section, high charge carrier mobility, and solution processability. We aim to have a similar impact on the field of X-ray image detectors. Since these materials can be deposited using solution-based approaches that are both cost- and energy-efficient, as well as highly scalable, large reductions in manufacturing costs and energy inputs are expected. Additionally, the high X-ray absorption cross-section of these lead-based materials should lead to improvements in detector sensitivity. The project has two major research thrusts: (i) the synthesis of new perovskite materials and an evaluation of their potential as X-ray photoconductors; (ii) the development of slot-die coating technology for the fabrication of perovskite-based X-ray image detectors. If successful, this work would give the sponsoring company (Analogic Canada) a world-leading detector technology and a tremendous competitive advantage.