Development of ZnO-based nanorod arrays as scintillator layer for ultrafast and high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging system.

Under excitation of high-energy and low-flux density of X-ray beam, a 1-μm system spatial resolution was initially achieved by using an 18-μm thickness ZnO nanorod array as the scintillator layer in X-ray imaging beamline at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The decay time measurements indicated the ultraviolet and visible emissions of the arrays were subnanosecond and nanosecond, respectively. Through hydrogen annealing treatment, the ultraviolet luminescence was intensively enhanced and the visible luminescence was remarkably suppressed simultaneously. In conclusion, it can be determined that the ZnO-based nanorod arrays are the decent candidates for applications in ultrafast and high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging systems.