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Large-scale self-assembled nanophotonic scintillators for X-ray imaging

Author

Listed:
  • Louis Martin-Monier

    (MIT)

  • Simo Pajovic

    (MIT)

  • Muluneh G. Abebe

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    University of Mons)

  • Joshua Chen

    (MIT)

  • Sachin Vaidya

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Seokhwan Min

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Seou Choi

    (MIT)

  • Steven E. Kooi

    (MIT)

  • Bjorn Maes

    (University of Mons)

  • Juejun Hu

    (MIT)

  • Marin Soljačić

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    MIT)

  • Charles Roques-Carmes

    (MIT
    Stanford University)

Abstract

Scintillators convert X-ray energy into visible light and are critical for imaging technologies. Their widespread use relies on scalable, high-quality manufacturing methods. Nanophotonic scintillators, featuring wavelength-scale nanostructures, can offer improved emission properties such as higher light yield, shorter decay times, and enhanced directionality. However, achieving scalable fabrication of these structures remains challenging. Here, we present a scalable fabrication method for large-area nanophotonic scintillators based on the self-assembly of chalcogenide glass photonic crystals. This technique enables the production of nanophotonic scintillators over wafer-scale areas, achieving a six-fold enhancement in light yield compared to unpatterned scintillators. By studying surface nanofabrication disorder, we show its impact on imaging performance and provide a route towards scintillation enhancements without compromising resolution. We demonstrate the practical applicability of our nanophotonic scintillators through X-ray imaging of biological and inorganic specimens. Our results could enable the industrial implementation of a new generation of nanophotonic-enhanced scintillators.

Suggested Citation

  • Louis Martin-Monier & Simo Pajovic & Muluneh G. Abebe & Joshua Chen & Sachin Vaidya & Seokhwan Min & Seou Choi & Steven E. Kooi & Bjorn Maes & Juejun Hu & Marin Soljačić & Charles Roques-Carmes, 2025. "Large-scale self-assembled nanophotonic scintillators for X-ray imaging," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60953-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60953-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Urs Zywietz & Andrey B. Evlyukhin & Carsten Reinhardt & Boris N. Chichkov, 2014. "Laser printing of silicon nanoparticles with resonant optical electric and magnetic responses," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, May.
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