Description:
This invention introduces a modular, autonomous radiation detection system capable of imaging gamma rays, X-rays, and charged particles with unprecedented precision and portability. Its solid-state, networked detector modules achieve sub-300 picosecond timing resolution and 3D depth-of-interaction imaging, enabling high-performance medical, industrial, and security applications in a compact, scalable form.
Background:
Conventional radiation imaging systems such as PET and SPECT are bulky, fragile, and restricted to stationary environments, limiting their accessibility and application flexibility. These systems often suffer from poor spatial and temporal resolution, limited sensitivity, and high operational costs, while being power-intensive and sensitive to temperature and electromagnetic interference. The result is slower imaging, higher radiation doses, and difficulty integrating with modalities like MRI. A lightweight, autonomous, and high-resolution detector that can operate in variable environments with low power consumption is urgently needed for next-generation imaging and detection systems.
Technology Overview:
The invention features a three-dimensional array of scintillation detector elements, each integrating a scintillator, a solid-state photodetector, and local processing electronics within a compact unit. Each module digitizes photon events with timing resolution below 300 picoseconds and communicates over a shared, addressable packet-switched digital network synchronized by distributed clock control. The modular design provides depth-of-interaction data and can be configured in flexible geometries, enabling conformable imaging systems such as wearable PET helmets or deployable gamma-ray cameras. This architecture allows autonomous, scalable, high-resolution radiation detection for medical, industrial, and security applications.
Advantages:
• Exceptional timing resolution (<300 ps) for precise coincidence detection and high-quality time-of-flight imaging.
• Three-dimensional modular detector architecture enabling depth-of-interaction imaging and geometric flexibility.
• Lightweight, low-power, and rugged design suitable for wearable and portable applications.
• Autonomous module operation with distributed clock synchronization and digital communication.
• High spatial resolution (~1 mm) and enhanced sensitivity (up to 250% increase in solid angle coverage).
• MRI compatibility and environmental stability for use in diverse or integrated imaging environments.
• Cost-effective, scalable manufacturing and modular assembly for multiple deployment scales.
Applications:
• Wearable PET or SPECT neuroimaging systems for ambulatory or behavioral studies.
• Portable 3D gamma-ray cameras for security, defense, and nuclear inspection.
• Conformal X-ray imaging systems for industrial non-destructive testing.
• Environmental and industrial radiation mapping and dosimetry.
• Precision radiation therapy planning and real-time dose verification.
• High-resolution scientific instrumentation for particle detection and fundamental research.
Intellectual Property Summary:
• United States, 15/080,073, Utility, 3/24/2016, Patented 3/28/2017, US 9,606,245
• United States, 15/468,968, Utility, 3/24/2017, Patented 12/5/2017, US 9,835,737
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
Licensing Potential:
Strong potential for medical imaging companies, defense and security organizations, and industrial inspection providers seeking portable, high-resolution, and scalable radiation detection and imaging solutions.
Additional Information:
Information available upon request.
Inventors:
Steven Czarnecki, Mark Poliks, James Turner
Alternate NCS Title: Autonomous High-Resolution Gamma, X-ray, and Particle Imaging System