AST wins major order for phosphor-coated fibre-optic plates

AST Sales and Commercial Director Stuart Quinn explains: "Digital dental X-ray imaging is growing in popularity because the X-ray image can be viewed immediately, can be saved electronically with patient records and there is also a potential for lower X-ray exposure for patients. The use of fibre-optic plates that have been directly coated with phosphor material gives higher contrast and light efficiency due to elimination of light losses and optical distortions".

The received order is for fibre-optic plates coated with Gadox, an X-ray-sensitive scintillator that can be optically coupled to a CCD or CMOS camera. When the X-rays hit the scintillator, visible light is produced, which is transferred to the camera to produce the digital image. The fast-response Gadox coating is optimised to eliminate potential image blur caused by patient movement during imaging of both soft and hard tissue.

Quinn continues: "Key to the award of this order was our willingness to work in co-operation with our customer to provide the optimum solution to their needs. In addition, we have been able to implement an accelerated manufacturing schedule to facilitate delivery of all units by January 2009".