X-ray flat panel detectors (FPDs) are widely used across security, industrial, and medical fields—with the medical sector being their core application scenario. Beyond clinical value, their technological evolution (from amorphous silicon to CMOS) has also shaped industry development. Below is a detailed breakdown of their applications, technical paths, and future trends.
I. Core Application Fields: Focus on Medical Scenarios
While X-ray FPDs serve security (e.g., luggage inspection) and industrial (e.g., component defect detection) needs, their most critical role lies in the medical field. They are integrated into almost all X-ray-based medical equipment except CT scanners, including:
- DR (Digital Radiography): For routine static imaging (chest, limbs, spine).
- DRF (Dynamic DR): For real-time dynamic imaging (gastrointestinal contrast, fluoroscopy).
- DM (Digital Mammography): Specialized for breast imaging.
- CBCT (Cone Beam CT): Mainly used in dentistry (dental implant planning, oral cavity scanning).
- DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography): For interventional vascular procedures (e.g., cardiac catheterization).
- C-arm X-ray machines: Used in surgeries (orthopedic operations, minimally invasive procedures) for real-time guidance.
II. Technological Evolution of X-Ray FPDs: Three Main Technical Paths
Since the late 20th century, domestic and foreign manufacturers have developed diverse FPD technologies, each tailored to specific application needs:
1. Amorphous Silicon (a-Si): The Mainstream Choice
Amorphous silicon FPDs have become the industry standard due to three key advantages:
- Mature manufacturing technology: Stable production processes ensure consistent quality.
- Strong adaptability: Compatible with most general medical X-ray equipment (DR, DRF).
- Cost-effectiveness: Lower production costs make it accessible for primary hospitals and clinics.
However, it has limitations—its dynamic imaging performance (e.g., frame rate, signal-to-noise ratio) is insufficient for specialized scenarios like breast imaging, dentistry, and surgery.
2. Amorphous Selenium (a-Se): Specialized for Breast Imaging
To address the shortcomings of amorphous silicon in breast imaging, Hologic (a well-known manufacturer) invented amorphous selenium FPDs.
- Core advantage: Higher spatial resolution and better soft tissue contrast—critical for detecting tiny breast lesions (e.g., microcalcifications) that amorphous silicon may miss.
- Application scope: Primarily used in DM (digital mammography) equipment.
3. CMOS: The Emerging Star for Specialized Dynamic Scenarios
For dynamic imaging fields like dentistry (CBCT) and surgery (C-arm), Dalsa (a leading tech company) first developed CMOS FPDs. Our company, Shandong Huarui Imaging Equipment Co., Ltd., has also successfully developed and mass-produced small and medium-sized CMOS detectors, catering to the growing demand for specialized dynamic imaging.
Key Advantages of CMOS FPDs
Compared to amorphous silicon and selenium, CMOS technology stands out for:
- High detection accuracy: Clearer imaging for fine structures (e.g., dental roots, surgical instruments).
- Strong temperature adaptability: Stable performance even in fluctuating operating environments (e.g., operating rooms with temperature changes).
- Flexible structural design: Easy to integrate into compact equipment (e.g., small C-arms, portable CBCT).
Technical Characteristics in Application
CMOS X-ray detectors use a linear array of detection units. During operation:
- They perform relative scanning motion with the object (e.g., dental arch, surgical site).
- Image data is collected line by line and assembled into a complete transillumination projection.
- Supporting links include:
- Inspection tooling design: Fixing the detector and adjusting its position relative to the inspected workpiece (e.g., patient’s oral cavity).
- Detector calibration: Ensuring imaging accuracy through regular parameter calibration.
- Transillumination method selection: Matching X-ray dose and angle to the target (e.g., low-dose for dentistry).
- Motion speed control: Synchronizing scanning speed with image acquisition to avoid blurring.
- Defect quantitative analysis & image archiving: Supporting post-processing and data storage for diagnosis.
Application results show that after process optimization, CMOS detectors can meet the X-ray inspection needs of most product parts—especially in medical dynamic imaging scenarios.
III. Future Trend: CMOS Will Lead the Next Stage of Development
As a new technology, CMOS FPDs have broad development prospects and strong vitality. Their advantages in dynamic imaging, miniaturization, and adaptability align with the medical industry’s demand for “high-precision, low-dose, and portable” equipment. It is widely believed that CMOS will gradually become the main development direction of the X-ray FPD industry.
Choose Shandong Huarui for Reliable FPD Solutions
Shandong Huarui Imaging Equipment Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in the production and sales of X-ray flat panel detectors—covering amorphous silicon, CMOS, and other technical paths. We provide customized solutions for medical, industrial, and security customers.
If you have questions about FPD selection, technical parameters, or application matching, feel free to contact us:Tel: +86 19953639012
Post time: Dec-03-2025