Photonics, a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for medical, industrial and scientific markets, has received an order for its Lutetium Fine Silicate (LFS) scintillation crystals from its Japanese partner Hamamatsu Photonics.

The initial batch of LFS scintillation crystals will be used in third party positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanning devices.

The initial order is worth $500,000.

Zecotek Photonics president, chairman and CEO Dr. A.F. Zerrouk said Hamamatsu has made an immediate contribution to its strategic alliance.

"This initial order underlines the significance of the strategic partnership and cooperation between Zecotek and Hamamatsu. We have always believed in the cost/performance superiority of Zecotek LFS crystals. It has, however, been a challenge penetrating the large-scale imaging markets.

"Hamamatsu’s partnership removes barriers and opens imaging industry opportunities for Zecotek products. We look forward to growing the partnership as we move ahead to capture a substantial share of the imaging markets," Zerrouk added.

Recently, Zecotek and Hamamatsu entered into a partnership to commercialize the existing imaging technologies and further to collaborate on the upgrade and manufacture of photo detectors, integrated detector modules and associated electronics and data acquisition modules for the imaging markets.

Hamamatsu is a leading supplier of optoelectronics components such as photo multiplier tubes and photo-diodes used in PET medical scanners.

Zecotek’s LFS series of scintillation crystals provide high light yields and ultra-fast decay times, enabling faster and higher-resolution operation of medical imaging devices such as PET medical scanners.