Scintillator-based CCD-based digital intraoral radiography systems are beginning to replace x-ray film and associated processing equipment in dentists? offices. Foremost on the list of advantages are large reductions in patient x-ray exposure, the ability to perform direct image manipulation, and remote information transmission. However, these systems suffer from a significant reduction in image due to the x-ray light converter that limits the clinician?s ability to diagnose such diseases as periodontitis, caries, and certain oral tumors. This fact is severely limiting acceptance of digital x-ray imaging in dental practices at this time. The Phase I program demonstrated the feasibility of a new concept of producing intraoral digital x-ray sensors. A variety of novel digital imaging arrays were designed, fabricated and tested which exhibited double the dose efficiency and more than double the spatial resolution compared to standard digital x-ray intraoral systems. The results indicated that it will be possible to produce intraoral x-ray sensors with over 80 percent detective quantum efficiency for 70 kVp x-rays, and limiting spatial resolution greater than 22 lp/mm. During the Phase II, we shall complete the development of the new intraoral imaging sensor based on a new direct x-ray imaging technology and use it with actual pre-clinical samples to quantitatively compare results to existing systems. This work will involve CMOS sensor design and x-ray screen converter fabrication to produce the novel sensors required for intraoral imaging procedures.

Proposed Commercial Applications

The market for digital intraoral imaging systems is estimated to be in excess of $10 billion worldwide. A low-cost, compact intraoral X-ray system with significantly higher image quality than current systems provide will find widespread acceptance in dental operatories.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44DE012844-02A1
Application #
6484329
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDE1-PW (19))
Program Officer
Satish, Jaya
Project Start
1998-09-01
Project End
2004-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-01
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$428,227
Indirect Cost
Name
Suni Imaging Microsystems, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
San Jose
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95119