Capturing the information of every single photon
Quantum Technology® is transforming CT by introducing photon-counting technology into clinical routine. At its core is the QuantaMax® detector, which is equipped with a crystal semiconductor that is substantially different from a standard scintillation detector. QuantaMax detectors create CT images at high spatial resolution, without electronic noise, and with an improved contrast‐to‐noise ratio, intrinsic spectral information, and at a lower radiation dose.
Worth every effort: crafting perfect crystals
The purest cadmium telluride crystal is the starting point for a quantum leap in computed tomography technology. Years of research, development, and production have led to the generation of pure crystals with electrical properties that have revolutionized CT detector technology. Take a sneak peek into our crystal-growing lab, where the combination of innovation and craftsmanship is worth every effort.
The advantages of Quantum Technology
Improved detector efficiency with direct signal conversion
The crystal semi-conductor in the QuantaMax detector enables direct signal conversion by generating an electrical charge instead of light. Each of the tens of thousands of X-ray photons is individually measured in a single projection. The absorbed X‐rays create electron‐hole pairs in the semiconductor. The charges are separated in a strong electric field between the cathode on top of, and the pixelated anode electrodes at the bottom of the detector. This improves detector efficiency without a dose penalty as it does not require septa dividing the detector into pixels.
- Smaller detector pixels
- Elimination of noise
- Intrinsic spectral sensitivity
- Equal contribution of lower energy quanta
Smaller detector pixels
Designed with the smallest pixels ever used in a whole-body CT, Quantum Technology can deliver ultra-high-resolution images at full dose efficiency.
Elimination of electronic noise
As photon-counting detectors directly convert X-rays into electric charges which are not subject to decay and afterglow, this technology allows a clear distinction between signal and electronic noise – allowing the elimination of the latter.
Intrinsic spectral sensitivity
Measuring discrete photon energy levels in up to four energy bins means that the spectral information is captured for every exam.
Equal contribution of lower energy quanta
Scientifically proven technology
Discover the full potential of NAEOTOM Alpha photon-counting CT.