Zecotek Announces CERN Assessing Patented LFS Crystals for Experiments Confirming the Existence of the Higgs Boson
Singapore, May 13, 2013 - Zecotek Photonics Inc. (TSX-V: ZMS; Frankfurt: W1I), a developer of leading-edge photonics technologies for medical, industrial and scientific markets, today announced it is working with researchers at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) to assess the optimum size configurations for its patented LFS crystal material for use in new experiments clarifying the existence of the Higgs Boson. In March 2013, CERN scientists confirmed that a new subatomic particle discovered at the world’s most powerful particle accelerator is the Higgs Boson. As CERN pushes into this new frontier of science, additional experiments are required to determine the particle’s properties and its true form. High energy scintillation crystals with high radiation hardness are paramount for the success of the next stage of experiments.
“Amongst all materials tested to meet the new challenges of CERN experiments, Zecotek’s LFS scintillation crystals have all the combined properties necessary to take us to higher and more exciting energy levels,” said Professor Valentin Kozlov, Senior Researcher and Group Leader at the Lebedev Physics Institute, Moscow and CERN. “We are working closely with Zecotek’s scientists to optimize the size configurations of their LFS.”
“Zecotek’s patented LFS crystal is a prime candidate for the high energy experiments at CERN and other linear colliders because it has the required density of material with good stopping power, fast decay time, very good energy resolution, and the highest radiation hardness of competing materials,” said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek Photonics Inc. “The advantage of a longer radiation resistance life cycle is meaningful as it avoids significant labour and re-calibration costs and experiments interruptions associated with the refitting of radiation damaged crystals.”
Zecotek scientists are working closely with CERN engineers and researchers to determine the optimum size configuration for large slabs of LFS crystal material. With this new phase in particle physics clarification on the existence of the Higgs boson, supersymmetry, higher dimensions, and many other exotic phenomena in subatomic physics, can only be achieved using higher energy scintillation crystals. Zecotek’s LFS crystals meet all the parameters required to face the new challenges at CERN and with strategic partner BOET, the Company has the capability supplying a secure and cost effective supply of this advanced material.
Scintillation crystals play a vital role in industrial, medical, fundamental research and security applications where they are used to convert high-energy photons into visible light. Zecotek’s scientists have pioneered research in high-performance scintillation detectors and maintain a comprehensive research program which has resulted in development of the patented LFS scintillation material with all its variants. This very bright and very fast scintillation material was developed specifically for use in medical imaging systems, high-energy physics experiments, and other industrial and security applications.
In addition to their crucial function in positron emission tomography (PET) medical scanners, scintillation crystals are extensively used in particle physics experiments and in other environments where the detection hardware is exposed to very large doses of ionising radiation. Improvements in radiation hardness directly translate into fewer replacements of detector blocks and less frequent recalibration of detection systems. Zecotek’s LFS crystal manufacturing technologies also permit the growth of very large-diameter boules with uniform properties and without cracking (a problem with many other competing scintillation materials), which secures a consistent and high element yield which also provides for lower unit costs, critical for the sale of PET scanners and meeting budgets for high energy physics experiments.
Zecotek also announces the granting of 1,600,000 stock options to directors, employees and consultants for their contributions to the Company. The exercise price is set at $0.43 and will expire in five years. The stock options are subject to regulatory approval.
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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 scanner technologies, 3D auto-stereoscopic displays, fiber lasers and waveguide micro lasers for applications in medical, high-tech and industrial sectors. Founded in 2004, Zecotek operates three divisional companies: Zecotek Imaging (medical, industrial and research), Zecotek Lasers (industrial and research) and Zecotek 3D (monitors for multimedia, entertainment, industrial and medical). The Company has labs located in Canada, Singapore and Russia, with affiliated R&D and production facilities in USA, China, and South Korea. Zecotek commercializes its novel, patented and patent-pending photonic technologies directly and through strategic alliances with multinational OEMs, distributors and other industry leaders. For more information, visit www.zecotek.com.
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