Zecotek Imaging China Ltd. is collaborating with Shanghai-based EBO Optoelectronics Technology Co. to resume scintillation crystal delivery from its new crystal production facility. In January, Zecotek and EBO signed an agreement to supply $21 million of patented LFS scintillation crystals over three years for positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanner original equipment manufacturers. With PET OEMs in China planning to export new PET medical scanning devices to international markets, it is critical that there are no questions regarding intellectual property. “We are very impressed by Zecotek’s new crystal manufacturing facility in Shanghai, which will supply LFS scintillation crystals to a number of our clients developing positron emission tomography scanning devices,” said C.J. Yang, president and CEO of EBO Optoelectronics Technology. “It is important for us to work directly with Zecotek to source patented LFS scintillation crystals that are reliable, cost competitive, and of superior quality. We look forward to working closely with Zecotek and resuming our supply agreement.” The crystals cover a wide range of emission wavelengths that can be tailored to match the spectral sensitivity of various photo detectors. By using the Czochralski method to manufacture LFS scintillation crystals, Zecotek can grow very large-diameter boules with uniform properties and without cracking. Larger, higher-quality boules produce more single elements, resulting in greater output with lower unit costs. “The Shanghai EBO Optoelectronics Company is an important customer and strategic partner in China, and we are pleased to be working with them as we complete the final details before opening our crystal production facility in Shanghai,” said A.F. Zerrouk, chairman, president and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. “Based on requests from customers inside and outside of China and broader demand from industry, we decided to set up our own crystal production facility to secure our intellectual property and ensure consistent performance and stable pricing. By taking control of the manufacturing process of our patented scintillation crystals, we can meet our customers’ needs and capture any added value.” Zecotek is a developer of high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, PET scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech, and industrial sectors.
