Bridging Detector Technology and Clinical Impact in Next-Generation Medical Imaging

Medical imaging stands at the forefront of modern healthcare, evolving rapidly through sensor and detector innovations that have the potential to transform both diagnostics and patient outcomes. Recent developments in areas such as photon-counting and spectral X-ray detectors, CMOS and SPAD technologies, and novel scintillator and semiconductor materials are redefining core capabilities like sensitivity, spatial and energy resolution, timing, and system integration. While traditional imaging modalities have long formed the backbone of clinical radiology and nuclear medicine, there remains an enduring need to push boundaries—delivering higher diagnostic value at reduced radiation doses, accelerating image acquisition, and extracting richer quantitative and functional information. Despite continued technological progress, major challenges persist in bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and practical, reliable adoption in real-world healthcare environments. Rigorous characterization, system-level validation, and a clear understanding of clinical needs remain crucial steps in bringing new sensor and detector concepts closer to the bedside.This Research Topic aims to highlight the latest advances and ongoing challenges in medical imaging sensors and detectors, spanning the full development pipeline from novel concept to translational application. The objective is to foster dialogue at the intersection of physics, materials science, electronics, and clinical practice—to rigorously evaluate performance, address implementation bottlenecks, and accelerate pathways from experimental devices to robust clinical tools. We seek contributions that not only report innovative technologies but also demonstrate system-level performance and address translational considerations such as validation, regulation, and practical integration in diverse imaging environments. Key questions include: How can fundamental advances in detector physics and materials be translated into next-generation imaging systems? Which emerging modalities show promise for new clinical applications, and what are the barriers to their adoption?This Research Topic focuses on innovations in medical imaging sensors and detectors, with attention both to component-level research and system-level integration and validation. The scope is limited to advances with translational relevance, emphasizing rigorous performance metrics and pathways to clinical adoption. To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Photon-counting and spectral detector technologies for X-ray and CT imaging- CMOS and SPAD-based detectors, including time-resolved and low-light imaging- Novel scintillator, semiconductor, and nanomaterial advancements for radiation detection- Innovations in readout electronics, ASICs, sensor fusion, and integrated detector modules- Performance characterization: MTF/DQE, energy resolution, timing, count-rate performance, noise, and stability- Calibration and correction methodologies (e.g., charge sharing, pile-up) and benchmarking with standardized phantoms- Dose efficiency, dynamic range enhancement, and high-throughput imaging systems- Translation and validation: prototyping, preclinical, and clinical feasibility studies, in addition to regulatory pathways- Emerging clinical applications, such as interventional, intraoperative, portable/bedside, and multimodal imaging systems Topic editors: Vanessa Nadig, Fiammetta Pagano, Stephan Naunheim, Rosana M Turtos Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83251/bridging-detector-technology-and-clinical-impact-in-next-generation-medical-imaging