Zecotek Announces Crystal Order for PET, CT Medical Imaging

Photonics technology developer Zecotek Photonics Inc. has announced that a European life sciences OEM has selected their patented Lutetium Fine Silicate (LFS) scintillation crystals for a new line of high-resolution positron emission tomography and computed tomography medical imaging devices.

“We are pleased to announce that a major European OEM has officially adopted our patented LFS crystals ... [T]he contract to supply LFS scintillation crystal to a top European OEM, launching a new line of PET/CT scanning devices, is potentially worth over $10 million per year to Zecotek when in full production,” said A.F. Zerrouk, chairman, president and CEO of Zecotek Photonics. “We have been developing the project to supply LFS crystals to this organization for quite some time and continue to be in discussions with several other OEMs wanting scintillation crystals.”

The OEM has requested anonymity for competitive reasons.

“This new customer adds to our recent success in the Chinese PET market, where we have been qualified to supply crystals to several OEMs and high-energy Institutions,” Zerrouk said. “Based on our internal analysis, the estimated demand for LFS crystals in 2018 is likely to be over $20 million. We are focused to capture as much of this estimated business as possible.”

The scintillation crystals are characterized by their high light yields and ultra-fast decay times which will produce quicker, more detailed images and diagnoses, resulting in faster patient throughput and improved patient outcomes. The LFS crystals cover a wide range of emission wavelengths which can be tailored to match the spectral sensitivity of various photo detectors.

The LFS scintillation crystals will be supplied by the Beijing Opto-Electronics Technology Company. Zecotek’s manufacturing process permits the growth of very large-diameter boules with uniform properties and without cracking, resulting in high element output and lower unit costs.

Zecotek Photonics develops high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, positron emission tomography scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors.