Project description
Sharper scans at lower doses of radiation
Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) can bring sharper images, require lower radiation doses and deliver colour X-ray scans that reveal tissue composition in unprecedented detail. However, PCCT is more expensive than conventional CT systems, making adoption in hospitals limited. The EIC-funded QuPIX project aims to develop an affordable, scalable photon-counting detector built on quantum-enhanced perovskite scintillators and micro-avalanche photon counters. By tackling challenges in light output, energy resolution and X-ray absorption, QuPIX will validate a new generation of detectors at laboratory scale. This will pave the way for commercial systems that could transform medical imaging and beyond.
Objective
"Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) heralds the next leap in (medical) X-ray imaging and delivers images with astonishingly high contrast, high spatial resolution, and low noise. Moreover, PCCT allows a reduction in X-ray dose compared to conventional CT. Uniquely, the spectral capabilities of PCCT (also called ""color"" CT) enable quantitative imaging functions, such as measuring tissue composition or the concentration of contrast agents. The widespread use of PCCT in hospitals is still hampered by high costs; PCCT scanners are 3 to 5 times more expensive than conventional CT systems. Moreover, current PCCT detector technology has limited accuracy in spectral imaging tasks. QuPIX will unlock the full clinical potential of X-ray photon counting, both in diagnosis and image-guided interventions, by delivering a new, affordable, and scalable X-ray photon counting detector based on quantum-enhanced perovskite scintillators (QuPS) and micro-avalanche photon counters (muAPC). QuPIX builds on recent scientific discoveries, while addressing major challenges related to fundamental QUPS characteristics such as light output, energy resolution, and X-ray stopping power. Moreover, a new light sensor is needed to optimally utilize the unique properties of QuPS. QuPIX will solve these challenges and validate the new detector technology at laboratory level, providing a solid foundation for the future commercial development of QuPIX-based imaging systems for the medical and other markets (e.g. security), with a combined volume of tens of billions of euros. The QuPIX consortium has all the expertise and facilities to achieve these objectives, following a multidisciplinary methodology that combines scientific investigation, dissemination, and exploitation. Ultimately, QuPIX will revolutionize medical imaging, make Europe the leader in PCCT detectors, improve the quality and affordability of healthcare, and allow patients to benefit from faster and more accurate diagnosis."
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering colors
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN
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2628 CN Delft
Netherlands
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