Ultrahigh Resolution X‐Ray Imaging With Thin‐Film Scintillators Based on Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Luminogens

ABSTRACT Flexible thin‐film scintillators based on organic semiconductors offer transformative potential for X‐ray imaging, enabling conformity to nonplanar objects and compatibility with complex structural applications. However, challenges in synergizing high solid‐state luminescence, X‐ray absorption, and efficient exciton utilization have become the bottleneck limiting their application in high‐resolution imaging. Herein, we make the breakthrough by using halogenated aggregate‐induced delayed fluorescence luminogens for flexible thin‐film scintillators, fulfilling key criteria such as high photoluminescence quantum yield, efficient exciton utilization, large Stokes shift, and rapid radiative decay kinetics. Our investigations demonstrate that the heavy atom effect and molecular aggregation enhance reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and radiative transitions, leading to superior radioluminescence performance characterized by high light yield, low detection limits, and an unprecedented resolution of 29.2 lp/mm, surpassing the capabilities of currently reported scintillators. This work underscores the transformative potential of aggregate‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) molecules in achieving high‐performance, easily prepared, and high‐resolution X‐ray scintillation and imaging technologies.

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Publication Details

Journal
SmartMat
Published
2025-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smm2.70002
Citations
16
Primary Topic
Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
8.28

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article

Ultrahigh Resolution X‐Ray Imaging With Thin‐Film Scintillators Based on Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Luminogens

Fangxu Yang, Zujin Zhao, Xiaotao Zhang, Qisheng Sun et al.
16 citations
SmartMat
Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials
8.28
article

Ultrahigh Resolution X‐Ray Imaging With Thin‐Film Scintillators Based on Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Luminogens

Fangxu Yang, Zujin Zhao, Xiaotao Zhang, Qisheng Sun, Lingjie Sun, Hongyun Wang, Wenping Hu, Zheyang Li
article en
16 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Flexible thin‐film scintillators based on organic semiconductors offer transformative potential for X‐ray imaging, enabling conformity to nonplanar objects and compatibility with complex structural applications. However, challenges in synergizing high solid‐state luminescence, X‐ray absorption, and efficient exciton utilization have become the bottleneck limiting their application in high‐resolution imaging. Herein, we make the breakthrough by using halogenated aggregate‐induced delayed fluorescence luminogens for flexible thin‐film scintillators, fulfilling key criteria such as high photoluminescence quantum yield, efficient exciton utilization, large Stokes shift, and rapid radiative decay kinetics. Our investigations demonstrate that the heavy atom effect and molecular aggregation enhance reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and radiative transitions, leading to superior radioluminescence performance characterized by high light yield, low detection limits, and an unprecedented resolution of 29.2 lp/mm, surpassing the capabilities of currently reported scintillators. This work underscores the transformative potential of aggregate‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) molecules in achieving high‐performance, easily prepared, and high‐resolution X‐ray scintillation and imaging technologies.

SmartMatVol. 6(2)
Tianjin University (CN), China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CN), Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering Tianjin (CN), State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin City, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials
8.28
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