High-refractive-index CuI waveguide with aligned cylindrical micropores for high-resolution X-ray imaging

Abstract

We have fabricated porous CuI crystals and used them as scintillator plates for high-resolution X-ray imaging by combining the properties of high-refractive-index light waveguide and scintillation. Porous CuI crystals containing aligned cylindrical micropores with pore volumes of 6% and 30% were fabricated by leaching directionally solidified CuI/NaCl and CuI/KCl eutectic crystals. The continuous cylindrical pores, which had a smooth surface, extended inward from the front to the back surface of the CuI crystal; therefore, light is confined in the CuI matrix with high refractive index (n ≈ 2.35) and transported along the pore direction by a total reflection mode. High-resolution X-ray imaging was demonstrated by using a 30% pore volume CuI crystal for an X-ray resolution chart and the 10 lp/mm pattern was clearly resolved.

Light Management of Metal Halide Scintillators for High‐Resolution X‐Ray Imaging

“…[45] For example, through unidirectional solidification of a KCl/CuI eutectic, a host(KCl)scintillator(CuI) with a rod-like array structure was obtained. [41] Further, this array scintillator was immersed in water to remove KCl. As such, the 800 μm thick CuI/air rod array scintillator exhibited an encouraging spatial resolution of 10 lp mm −1 .…”

Structured Scintillators for Efficient Radiation Detection

“…Ohashi and co-workers reported a modified structured scintillator with air rod array because a higher refractive index contrast facilitates the light guiding effect. [87] After solidification, the NaCl/CuI and KCl/CuI samples were immersed in water to remove the soluble NaCl and KCl phase from insoluble CuI matrix selectively. Profiting from the large volume fraction, smooth surface, and high refractive index contrast of the optimized sample, X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of 10 lp mm -1 could be achieved.…”