NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR 1 MICRON RESOLUTION BIOMEDICAL IMAGING

Introduction

The 1MICRON project can bridge the gap in image quality between today’s digital x-ray detectors and histopathology. We will integrate CMOS electronics circuits directly into the sensor, employing an edge-on "deep silicon" geometry for monolithic sensors that ensure high efficiency.

Technological Breakthrough

This breakthrough promises a remarkable order of magnitude improvement in spatial resolution, all the way down to 1 micron. Such a high-resolution sensor will make phase contrast imaging much more practical and efficient, and as a secondary effect, this will dramatically increase the contrast in the images.

Impact on Pathology Analysis

Today’s pathology analysis takes weeks, and when cancer cells are found at the margin or in sentinel nodes, the patient is called back for corrective surgery, which delays treatment and decreases survival chances.

Application in Surgical Settings

The 1MICRON imaging technology can be used directly in the operating room, providing a digitized 3D volume for immediate feedback on cancer margins. The new method can save over 100,000 surgical treatments per year only in Europe, saving the corresponding costs for the healthcare system.

Market Expansion

The technology could also be implemented in new markets such as developing countries, where today pathology laboratories are not accessible.

Secondary Objectives

A secondary objective is to provide a proof-of-principle for a new sensor for next-generation CT, coping with high x-ray flux and having low enough power consumption for future implementation in a clinical modality. The high resolution can provide a “3D virtual biopsy” as an alternative to today’s invasive needle biopsies.

Team Expertise

Our team includes leading European experts in medical imaging, phase-contrast imaging, monolithic sensor design, pathology, radiology, surgery, and industry, positioning us uniquely to undertake this ambitious project.

Conclusion

Our success can trigger a paradigm shift in both pathology and clinical x-ray imaging, corresponding to the most significant advancement in decades.