Characterisation of emerging detector materials for low-dose X-ray imaging

 With over three billion X-ray examinations performed each year, X-ray imaging is a core part of medical diagnostics. Emerging detector materials promise high-quality images at a minimal dose, however, their development is hindered by the lack of comprehensive performance metrics. Current characterization standards focus on complete systems at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ≥6, which is impractical for fundamental research (TRL 1–2) and initial prototypes (TRL 3–5). Consequently, materials studies often report simplified figures of merit (e.g., sensitivity and detection limit of dose-rate) that diverge from the clinical goal of achieving high-quality images at a low dose.    

Here, we propose a unified characterisation framework centred on Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE). We critique common benchmarking practices, identify the parameters governing DQE and provide practical guidelines for quantifying DQE in early prototypes. We establish links between intrinsic material properties and device-level metrics. To facilitate adoption, we are releasing open-source tools, including a MATLAB app, a Mathcad worksheet and an interactive website. We also introduce a composite metric n₁ that accounts DQE dose and spatial frequency dependencies, enabling comparison of varius detector architectures. Aligning materials evaluation with clinically relevant metrics bridges the gap between basic research and industrial standards, accelerating the development of emerging X-ray detector materials.