High-Resolution Dual-Energy X-ray Imaging Enabled by Transparent Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Scintillation Screen
Jianxin Wang, Tengyue He, Xin Zhu, Simil Thomas, Wenyi Shao, Osama Shekhah, Husam N. Alshareef, Osman M. Bakr, Mohamed Eddaoudi, Omar F. Mohammed
Abstract
Dual-energy X-ray imaging technology provides more detailed material-specific information by using a second X-ray spectrum. However, conventional dual-energy X-ray imaging typically necessitates two separate exposures to combine high- and low-energy projections. This process can result in image misalignment and increased radiation doses. Herein, a dual-energy X-ray imaging system using a two-layered scintillator was developed, featuring transparent pure organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials as the low-energy absorption layer and LYSO as the high-energy absorption layer. Separating the energy bins on the detector side enables the simultaneous and sequential acquisition of low- and high-energy projections with a single X-ray exposure. This two-layered scintillator achieves a high imaging resolution of 23 lp/mm, surpassing most conventional single-layer scintillators. Additionally, the effectiveness of this dual-energy imaging system was demonstrated in a toolbox inspection, where complex objects inside were successfully imaged and differentiated, capturing all intricate details in a single X-ray exposure.