Scientists led by Northwestern University and Soochow University in China have developed a perovskite-based detector, which they deem as the first one capable of capturing individual gamma rays for SPECT imaging with unprecedented precision. Under the guidance of Mercouri Kanatzidis (Northwestern) and Yihui He (Soochow), this achievement paves the way for sharper, faster, and more affordable nuclear medicine imaging, promising shorter scan times, clearer results, and lower radiation doses for patients
“Perovskites are a family of crystals best known for transforming the field of solar energy,” said Northwestern’s Mercouri Kanatzidis. “Now, they are poised to do the same for nuclear medicine. This is the first clear proof that perovskite detectors can produce the kind of sharp, reliable images that doctors need to provide the best care for their patients.”
The newly developed perovskite CsPbBr3 detectors feature pixelated configurations, eliminating charge transport losses at the surface and achieving near-unity charge collection efficiency and enhanced spectral resolution. “Designing this gamma-ray camera and demonstrating its performance has been incredibly rewarding,” said Yihui He, professor at Soochow University. “By combining high-quality perovskite crystals with a carefully optimized pixelated detector and multi-channel readout system, we were able to achieve record-breaking energy resolution and imaging capabilities.”
Record energy resolutions have been reported as 2.5% at 141 keV and 1.0% at 662 keV. The detector showcased sensitivity of 0.13%~0.21% cps/Bq with single point and line 99mTc γ-ray sources, and distinctly delineated individual column sources spaced 7 mm apart, offering spatial resolution of 3.2 mm. “Demonstrating that perovskites can deliver single-photon gamma-ray imaging is a milestone,” He said.
For patients, these innovations promise shorter scan times, clearer results, and lower doses of radiation. “Our approach not only improves the performance of detectors but also could lower costs,” He said. “That means more hospitals and clinics eventually could have access to the best imaging technologies.” Northwestern spinout Actinia Inc. is commercializing this technology for widespread clinical adoption, aiming for practical integration into next-generation nuclear medicine systems. “High-quality nuclear medicine shouldn’t be limited to hospitals that can afford the most expensive equipment,” Kanatzidis said. “With perovskites, we can open the door to clearer, faster, safer scans for many more patients around the world. The ultimate goal is better scans, better diagnoses and better care for patients.”
Supported by international research grants, this pioneers the use of perovskite detectors in clinical imaging, delivering outstanding performance uniformity, device stability, and a realistic pathway to higher quality nuclear medicine at lower cost. “This work demonstrates how far we can push perovskite detectors beyond the laboratory,” Kanatzidis noted. “Now, we’re showing that perovskite-based detectors can deliver the resolution and sensitivity needed for demanding applications like nuclear medicine imaging. It’s exciting to see this technology moving closer to real-world impact.”
