Date: 24/06/2012

Simple camera like x-ray imaging is possible using CMOS process tech

High-resolution wafer-scale digital image sensor that targets medical imaging applications has been developed at the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). Analog tools from Tanner EDA was used in developing this tech. Measuring 120 x 145 mm and effectively using an entire 200 mm silicon wafer in its production, the new image sensor is being manufactured by TowerJazz.

Solid-state-based X-ray detection systems using CMOS sensor based imaging can bring key advantages in terms of performance such as high resolution, high dynamic range, low noise capabilities and cost advantages for X-ray imaging applications. However it is said it can come with an initial penalty in terms of design complexity in the actual development of the CMOS sensor.

As no lens is used in CMOS-imaging-based X-ray applications, the size of an image sensor has to match the size of the target area.