In cutting-edge fields such as high-end medical imaging, industrial precision flaw detection, and space exploration, X-ray detectors serve as the "eyes" of the equipment. The quality of their imaging directly impacts the accuracy of diagnosis, the reliability of detection, and even the authenticity of scientific discoveries. As a key optical imaging component in detectors, radiation-resistant fiber optic panels bear the responsibility of efficiently and faithfully transmitting the faint fluorescence emitted by scintillators to sensors. For a long time, achieving high transmittance, high resolution, and excellent radiation resistance simultaneously has been a challenging problem in the global optical materials field, and it also represents a technical barrier that restricts the process of domestic autonomy in related high-end equipment in China.
A breakthrough achieved by the research team of CNBM Optical Fiber Technology Co., Ltd. provides a clear path for localization to solve this problem. This research focuses on one of the "soul" components of the optical fiber panel - light-absorbing glass. Through innovative design of its material system and precise control of the process, an internationally advanced radiation-resistant optical fiber panel has been successfully developed, achieving a key leap from "following" to "keeping pace" and even "leading" in specific performance.
1. Addressing the core contradiction: finding the optimal balance between "absorption" and "permeation"
Traditional fiber optic panels face a dilemma: in order to eliminate stray light and enhance image contrast, light-absorbing glass must be introduced; however, if the absorption capacity is too strong or the design is improper, it will severely deplete effective signal light, resulting in a decrease in overall transmittance and sensitivity. Previously, domestic products struggled to precisely control the transmittance of light-absorbing glass within the wide wavelength range of 430-900nm, and the material was prone to crystallization during processing, affecting yield and performance stability.
The core breakthrough of the research conducted by CNBM Photonics Technology Co., Ltd. lies in the systematic revelation of the synergistic mechanism of transition metal ion colorants for the first time, and the precise quantification of their dual effects on the light absorption characteristics and high-temperature crystallization behavior of glass. The key innovation of the light-absorbing glass designed by the researchers lies in:
Ultimate wide-spectrum absorption capability: Within the UV-visible-near-infrared wavelength range of 300-900nm, the transmittance of the glass is suppressed to below 1%, almost achieving an "optical insulation" state. This means that it can almost completely "swallow" all stray light from non-light-guiding paths, laying the material foundation for high-contrast imaging.
Excellent anti-crystallization performance: Through clever component matching, the glass is endowed with strong light absorption ability while its high-temperature viscosity characteristics are significantly improved. Within the critical drawing and hot pressing process temperature range of 820-850℃, the glass exhibits excellent structural stability, with no obvious crystallization or phase separation, ensuring that it can be smoothly drawn into thin, uniform optical fibers and integrated into the precise structure of the panel.
This achievement marks a significant progress in China's controllable preparation of "composition-structure-performance" of special optical glass, solving the technological challenge of "absorbing strongly and refining successfully" for high-performance light-absorbing glass.
II. A leap in performance: High transmittance and resolution, setting a benchmark for practical use
Integrating the optimized light-absorbing glass into the fiber optic panel at precise ratios yields a synergistic effect of "1+1>2":
High transmittance: The prepared radiation-resistant fiber optic panel exhibits a stable spectral transmittance of over 74% at 560nm. This means that effective signal light can pass through the panel with high efficiency, providing sufficient signal input for the detector and directly enhancing the sensitivity and imaging speed of the device.
High resolution and contrast: The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is the golden indicator for evaluating the ability of an imaging system to resolve details. Tests have shown that at a spatial frequency of 10 lp/mm, the MTF response of the panel with the optimized scheme is still very evident. This indicates that the panel can not only transmit high-intensity light but also faithfully transmit image details and edge information, thus achieving high-definition and high-contrast imaging effects.
III. Contribution to the optical industry and its own advantages: Empowering high-end manufacturing and breaking technological dependence
The profound significance of this research achievement goes far beyond a breakthrough in a laboratory indicator. It lies more in its substantial contribution to the entire optical industry and high-end equipment manufacturing industry:
Addressing key weaknesses and achieving self-reliance and controllability: Radiation-resistant fiber optic panels are core components of high-end medical CT, DR equipment, industrial CT, spacecraft imaging systems, and more. Previously, high-performance products have long relied on imports. This research has achieved localization and optimization of the entire technology chain, from basic glass formulations and fiber control to panel molding, enabling China to overcome the "bottleneck" risk in this key optical component and ensuring the safety of the industrial chain.
Promoting downstream industry upgrading: Higher-performance fiber optic panels mean that downstream imaging equipment manufacturers can develop next-generation products with higher resolution, clearer imaging, and lower radiation doses. For example, in the medical field, this helps in the precise screening of early lesions; in the industrial field, it enables the detection of smaller defects; and in space exploration, it can transmit clearer scientific images.Demonstrate the systematic capability of material innovation: This research does not pursue a single performance indicator in isolation, but starts from the ultimate demand of system imaging, inversely defines material properties (such as wide-spectrum absorption, anti-crystallization), and achieves them through material science methods. This application-oriented, multi-performance collaborative optimization research paradigm provides a successful example for the development of other complex functional materials in the optical industry.Forming significant cost and supply chain advantages: Localization not only signifies technological autonomy, but also indicates more stable supply, faster customer response, and a more competitive cost structure. This will effectively reduce the manufacturing cost of high-end detection equipment and promote the widespread application of advanced imaging technology in a broader range of fields.
From the microscopic level of ion colorant blending to the macroscopic level of imaging quality enhancement, this research on light-absorbing glass vividly illustrates the indisputable truth that "basic materials determine the performance of high-end equipment." It is like a "light that breaks through the wall," not only penetrating the interference of stray light inside the fiber optic panel, but also illuminating the path for China's optical industry to break through high-end blockades and move towards independent innovation. With continuous breakthroughs in such core basic components, China's optical industry is taking small steps to achieve great things, contributing a more powerful "Chinese perspective" to global technological development and human health.
Article reference source:
[1] Zhang Bingqiang, Huo Hongyue, Shi Pan, Wang Sanzhao, Ren Hongyu, Liu Mengqi. Effect of light-absorbing glass on the performance of radiation-resistant optical fiber panels [J]. Journal of The Chinese Ceramic Society, 2024, 43 (04): 1374-1379