CERN Tests Show Zecotek's Patented LFS Scintillation Crystals Achieve Superior Coincident Timing Resolution for New High Performance PET Scanners
Zecotek Photonics Inc. (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I; OTCPK: ZMSPF), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for industrial, healthcare and scientific markets, is pleased to announce that the Company's patented LFS scintillation crystals achieved a more precise coincident time resolution (CTR) when compared to competing crystals in tests conducted by a CERN research group, on crystals with dimensions used in commercial positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanners. The results were presented at a recent 2015 IEEE Nuclear Science Conference in Seattle and have been published in major journals.[i]
"The results of the comparative timing measurements study, clearly show that Zecotek's LFS scintillation crystals have more precise coincidence time resolution," said Dr. Crispin Williams, Senior Research Scientist at CERN. "The coincidence timing resolution is key in time-of-flight PET medical scanners. It improves the image signal to noise ratio and allow for shorter scanning times. Our team is impressed with the test results and with the competitive pricing of the LFS crystals. We are therefore proceeding to use Zecotek's LFS crystals for our PET – CERN projects."
"With such a low coincidence timing resolution, Zecotek's LFS scintillation crystals present PET scanner OEMs the opportunity to improve the performance of new generation time-of-flight scanners targeting substantial markets," said Dr. A. F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. "The advantages our LFS crystal: high density, fast decay time, very good energy resolution and superior radiation hardness when compared to competing crystals when used in PET scanners and high energy particles experiments, have established them as a leading choice. Other institutions including PET OEMs are testing the LFS crystals and BOET, our manufacturing partner is taking steps to increase its manufacturing capabilities in order to prepare for recent and future demand."
The tests were conducted in the context of designing a time-of-flight PET scanner. These newly developed scanning devices are for the high resolution detection of lesions and cellular defects. PET scanners need to detect the gamma photons emanating from the patient's body as a result of an intravenous injection of radio trace substance. Over the years, OEMs have improved the configuration of PET scanners; the main differentiator for superior performance lies with the crystal.
To achieve the speed necessary for quick, high resolution output the scintillation crystals must be very dense, must have high energy resolution and must possess a fast decay time. As the PET industry moves toward producing time-of-flight PET scanners, the use of crystals with these properties, is paramount. Zecotek's patented LFS crystals are uniquely positioned because they meet the three main properties required.
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