20 years of Medipix3: Pixel Detectors Transforming Physics, Medicine and Beyond

By: Amedeo Habsburg

Two decades after its inception, the Medipix3 collaboration marks 20 years of innovation in hybrid pixel detector technology, a journey that began at CERN and now spans more than 30 institutes worldwide. Based on the same technology used to detect individual particles in high-energy physics experiments, the Medipix family of chips has evolved into one of the most successful examples of knowledge transfer from fundamental research to applied science. The chips are used in first-of-kind colour X-ray imaging in medicine and to monitor the radiation dose of the crew on the International Space Station.

At their core, Medipix, and its cousin; Timepix, are silicon-based readout chips that detect and measure individual particles or photons with exceptional spatial and energy resolution. Each pixel on the chip acts as an independent detection unit and can record precise information about the energy, arrival time and position of every detected particle. This capability allows for the creation of high-contrast, noise-free images, a fundamental difference from conventional detectors. The result is a technology equally suited to track particles at the Large Hadron Collider or to visualise fine structures within the human body.

At this year’s Medipix and Timepix Symposium, held at CERN, researchers reflected on how these detectors have advanced multiple fields. In medicine, the Timepix3 chip is now being tested for in-vivo monitoring of carbon-ion radiotherapy. At the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center, the InViMo clinical trial demonstrated how arrays of Timepix3 mini-trackers can detect small anatomical variations during particle therapy, improving precision and preserving healthy tissue from harmful radiation.

Across the globe, the MARS Bioimaging group in New Zealand has developed a spectral photon-counting CT system, based on Medipix technology. At the Symposium Dr. John Carrino of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York presented results from clinical trials proving the MARS scanner produces diagnostic images of equal quality to conventional CT at roughly 25% of the radiation dose. In addition, the MARS system is the world’s first high-resolution coloured CT scanner; a feat only enabled by the energy information captured by the Medipix3 detector.

Beyond healthcare, Medipix and Timepix chips are also used for space radiation monitoring in the ISS, materials analysis, in quantum applications and for educational outreach. The collaboration is a true testament to how technologies born at CERN continue to shape both science and society.

If you’re interested to learn more, please check out the collaboration webpage: https://medipix.web.cern.ch/