PET Program at CERN Selects and Orders LFS Crystals

SINGAPORE, April 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Zecotek Photonics Inc. (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I.F, OTCPK: ZMSPF), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for industrial, healthcare and scientific markets, is pleased to announce that the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) program at European Organization for Nuclear Physics (CERN) has selected and ordered its patented LFS scintillation crystals for its work on PET medical scanning devices. After a long process of testing, Zecotek`s LFS scintillation crystals were chosen because they provide the best results for coincidence timing resolution. The LFS technology and formulation also present an intrinsic capability and ability for the future development of even higher performance LFS versions as compared to any competing crystals.

"Our tests show that Zecotek`s LFS scintillation crystals have a faster coincidence time resolution for high resolution PET scanners which improves the image quality and results in shorter scanning times," said Dr. Crispin Williams, INFN physicist working at CERN. "By using an LFS based array configuration we gain both performance and cost effectiveness. We are very pleased with the results obtained using Zecotek's LFS crystals, which we have selected for our present work and continuing well into the future."

"We continue to enjoy the adoption trend of our patented LFS crystals by the industry at large," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. "OEMs and researchers continue to be impressed by the ability of our crystal and detector technologies to reach even higher performance and cost effectiveness. Our unique internationally patented off-stoichiometric formulations of lutetium oxide with silicate, is such that no other crystal can compete with its speed and brightness. Furthermore, our novel technology allows for even higher performance versions which will be made available to those OEMs using LFS, as new versions are produced. We are proud to be working with CERN and associated groups such as INFN on such an important project and look forward to assisting them in the eventual commercialization program."

As previously announced on June 16, 2015, CERN researchers tested 15 mm lengths of LFS crystals which showed an excellent CTR of 150 picoseconds (ps). CERN along with other PET manufactures are moving toward PET scanners with time-of-flight due to improved performance for patient imaging. Time-of-flight PET devices produce quick, high resolution output, but they require scintillation crystals which are very dense, with high energy resolution and possess fast decay after absorbing gamma photons emanating from the patient's body as a result of an intravenous injection of radio trace substance. Zecotek`s LFS crystal and all its versions, have high density, fast decay time, good energy resolution, low afterglow and superior radiation hardness. Radiation hardness is crucial for high energy physics and homeland security.  

About INFN
The National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) is the Italian research agency dedicated to the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the laws that govern them, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR). It conducts theoretical and experimental research in the fields of subnuclear, nuclear and astroparticle physics. All of the INFN's research activities are undertaken within a framework of international competition, in close collaboration with Italian universities on the basis of solid academic partnerships spanning decades. Fundamental research in these areas requires the use of cutting-edge technology and instruments, developed by the INFN at its own laboratories and in collaboration with industries. Groups from the Universities of Rome, Padua, Turin, and Milan founded the INFN on 8^thAugust 1951 to uphold and develop the scientific tradition established during the 1930s by Enrico Fermi and his school, with their theoretical and experimental research in nuclear physics. In the latter half of the 1950s the INFN designed and built the first Italian accelerator, the electron synchrotron developed in Frascati, where its first national laboratory was set up. During the same period, the INFN began to participate in research into the construction and use of ever-more powerful accelerators being conducted by CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, in Geneva. Today the INFN employs some 5,000 scientists whose work is recognised internationally not only for their contribution to various European laboratories, but also to numerous research centres worldwide.

About Zecotek
Zecotek Photonics Inc (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I) is a photonics technology company developing high-performance scintillation crystals, photo detectors, positron emission tomography scanning technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, 3D metal printing, and lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors.  Founded in 2004, Zecotek operates three divisions: Imaging Systems, Optronics Systems and 3D Display Systems with labs located in Canada, Korea, Russia, Singapore and U.S.A. The management team is focused on building shareholder value by commercializing over 50 patented and patent pending novel photonic technologies directly and through strategic alliances, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (Switzerland), Beijing Opto-Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. (China), NuCare Medical Systems (South Korea), the University of Washington (United States), and National NanoFab Center (South Korea).  For more information visit www.zecotek.com and follow @zecotek on Twitter.

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SOURCE Zecotek Photonics Inc.

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