Photonics technology developer Zecotek Photonics Inc. has begun manufacturing the first batch of its patented lutetium fine silicate (LFS) scintillation crystals at its LFS Crystal Production Facility in Shanghai. “This is a strategic milestone for Zecotek,” said A.F. Zerrouk, chairman, president, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics. “By establishing our own crystal factory, we control the quality and costs of our crystals, and the security of our intellectual property which provides security, stability of supply and continuity to our customers.” Zecotek's patented LFS scintillation crystals are grown using the Czochralski method with internal modifications. The process begins with lutetium fine silicate in a specialized industrial crystal growing oven. Dopant impurity atoms are added in precise measurements to create the base for the growing the large boules. By controlling the temperature gradients of the oven and the rate of pulling and speed of rotation of the rod-mounted seed crystals, technicians extract a large, single-crystal, cylindrical ingot from the oven approximately 14 days later. Using the Czochralski growing method, Zecotek’s technicians produce large-diameter boules with uniform properties and without cracking, which is a problem found in other scintillation materials. This method is highly efficient and produces a larger number of high-quality elements from each boule. The LFS Crystal Production Facility also includes a laboratory for cutting, polishing, and array assembly. The lab is ready to receive the first LFS crystal boules schedule for completion in mid-July. Zecotek Photonics is a developer of high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors and sensors, positron emission tomography technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech, and industrial sectors.