Demand for medical image sensors (imagers) is growing at an annual rate of 9%, and by 2017 the market will exceed $100 million. The reason for the high growth is that the aging of developed countries has pushed up medical demand and the affluence of emerging regions. If the shipment of medical image sensors has maintained a growth rate of 23%, it will reach 5 million by 2017. These shipments will be contributed by low-cost image sensors for new areas such as endoscopes and capsule endoscopes and disposable endoscopes.
In the X-ray machine market, the image sensor will be turned from amorphous silicon to CMOS
In the medical and bio-image sensor market, large-size sensors used in X-ray machines account for the majority, accounting for 90% of the revenue in this field.
Amorphous silicon technology is suitable for large-area surface illumination with low radiation doses. However, since the pixel size is at least about 100 μm, the resolution is not sufficient for use in a mammography machine or the like. In addition, the reading speed is also limited, so the processing performance does not reach the level of real-time imaging requirements such as fluoroscopy during surgery.
As the cost of CMOS processors continues to decline, ultra-thin flat panel detectors using CMOS processors are beginning to grab the share of amorphous silicon flat panel detectors. The CMOS ultra-thin flat panel can improve the resolution of the mammography machine and can record surgical images at high speed. However, it is still difficult and costly to manufacture a wafer-sized sensor at a high yield and process it into a flat plate of about 15 to 20 cm. Although CMOS has grown, CCD demand has not fallen as much as originally expected. Because in the medical field, CCD has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience.
In the dental X-ray machine market, small CMOS sensors for taking X-rays from 1 to 2 teeth from the inside of the mouth have reached a practical level in Europe and are also being promoted in the United States. In the field of X-ray machines that take panoramic X-rays from the outside of the mouth, CCDs will continue to be used in the future.
3D imaging is helpful for dentistry
CMOS ultra-thin panels can also achieve 3D imaging at radiation doses far below current CT technology. This is called cone beam CT, which is to place the body part to be photographed between the CMOS flat panel detector and the cone beam of X-ray photons, so that the X source and detector rotate around the patient. This technique is especially popularized in the examination of mammography machines and other body parts where there is a problem of excessive radiation. In addition, 3D imaging will be of great help to dentists compared to two-dimensional. Because it helps to check the patient's tooth occlusion, it also helps to simplify the making and installation of the denture.
Single photon detection sets off a cancer treatment revolution
Since the single photon energy on the CMOS sensor can already be measured, it is now possible to completely process the information of the body tissue through which the photon penetrates. If the actual size and spread of cancer can be accurately imaged, this will set off a cancer treatment revolution. Since each pixel uses a transistor and uses very high speed computing power, complex electronic technology is required. In order to convert a large number of wavelengths of a single X-ray photon, it is necessary to mount a CdTe photoconductive wafer on a CMOS chip instead of the scintillation film on the IC currently used. Therefore, it is possible that each pixel must have a protrusion for the connection.
The endoscope will go to "chip-to-tip"
Most endoscopes now use a CCD image sensor. Moreover, it is the system manufacturer that owns the related technology of the CCD image sensor. On the other hand, the new endoscopes mainly use smaller CMOS image sensors at lower cost. The share of CMOS image sensors is gradually expanding and will become the mainstream in the market.
The main trend of flexible endoscopes is "chip-to-tip". It is to move a small sensor chip to the top of the endoscope to reduce the size of the endoscope, and to replace the fiber with a thin wire for transmitting electrical signals, to improve the softness in order to simplify the insertion operation.
In addition, low-cost CMOS sensors are expected to achieve disposable endoscopes. This is because there are cases where the purchase of a new endoscope is lower than the cost of sterilization and the disinfection is not in place. With better design, the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio of the pixel will be improved.
Improve observation performance with ultra-multiple wavelengths
The 3D imaging of the endoscope uses two images from the image sensor to stereoscopically display the in vivo image close to the object to the surgeon. This technology has been used for non-flexible endoscopes. Ultra-multi-wavelength imaging is a huge difference by using new lighting. For example, when using near-infrared light, more fine internal bleeding can be found compared to visible light, and deeper tissue can be observed.
Capsule endoscopy is the only non-invasive method for examining this part of the small intestine that cannot be reached by the endoscope. Israel’s basic imagery accounts for 68% of the market, and the competition with Olympus is getting more and more intense. Now that Sony has invested in Olympus, it is possible to invest a lot of electronic technology in the medical imaging equipment market.
Household Gloves,Gloves Microfiber,Flock Lined Glove,Household Latex Work Glove
ZHANGJIAGANG DINSHENGLIN TRADING CO.,LTD , https://www.dslhouse.com