DALSA Corporation Announces Argus Scanning X-ray Detectors for Dental and Medical Imaging

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - November 18, 2010) - Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

DALSA Corporation (TSX: DSA), a global leader in digital image sensing technology, today announced its Argus platform of CCD/TDI-based X-ray image scanners developed for use in the medical and dental fields. Argus modules include high resolution scintillation technology and standard Ethernet connectivity, allowing images to be ported directly to the host computer for image processing. Assembled with advanced MEMs fabrication techniques in DALSA’s own wafer foundry, they also provide unmatched resolution by joining multiple silicon detectors for large fields of view up to 44 cm wide.

The first product built on the Argus platform, the economical Argus-PAN, will be showcased at the upcoming RSNA 2010 show, which will be held Nov. 28 - Dec. 3, at McCormick Place in Chicago. DALSA will showcase its latest advances in image sensor technology for medical imaging and dental radiography in North Building - Hall B: Booth #8722.

DALSA’s Patented TDI Technology

The Argus platform incorporates DALSA’s patented TDI (Time Delay and Integration) technology for high sensitivity, unmatched detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and incredible image quality at lower patient exposures.

“A good X-ray detector has to absorb and utilize as many X-ray quanta as possible in order to minimize the patient exposure to X-rays, while producing the highest resolution, contrast and image quality. DALSA’s new cost-effective Argus platform provides such performance in a module that is easy to integrate in the X-ray imaging system,” says Behnam Rashidian, Argus product manager.

Argus-PAN Features

The Argus-PAN is designed for extra-oral imaging applications. The extremely low noise operation, coupled with high performance 16-bit ADC, provides up to 80dB of dynamic range. Primary Argus-PAN features include:

 -- Assembled with advanced MEMs fabrication techniques for high resolution and large fields of view up to 44 cm wide. -- Flexible and robust module form factor for ease of integration into existing panoramic dental systems. -- High dynamic range and sensor large full well enables high contrast images. -- Low sensor readout noise provides images with high clarity. -- 100 Mb Ethernet interface for ease of interface to the X-ray modality. -- 16bit ADC for high precision image capture. -- Anti-blooming, preserves image integrity on the edges and in bright spots of the image. 

Argus Modules

In addition to the Argus-PAN, the Argus line scan TDI X-ray imaging platform will support two other modules, the Argus-DQ, and the Argus-SCAN. The Argus-DQ features an advanced scintillation technology for ultra-high resolution and low noise applications like mammography. The Argus-SCAN will provide an extremely wide 44 cm wide field of view ideal for applications such as body scanning and trauma imaging.

For more information about the Argus-PAN, and other Argus developments, visit the dental radiography section of DALSA’s web site. For a downloadable image, please visit our online media kit.

About DALSA’s Life Sciences Products and Services

DALSA provides state-of-the-art image sensing, capture and processing solutions to medical, dental and scientific equipment manufacturers. Building on 30 years of proven capability and innovation, our highly skilled team of imaging specialists adds value with their continued focus on leading-edge product design. Our manufacturing processes are tailored to comply with the stringent quality, reliability and traceability requirements of the medical and scientific X-ray community.

www.dalsa.com/ls/

About DALSA Corporation

DALSA (TSX: DSA) is an international leader in high performance digital imaging and semiconductors with approximately 1000 employees worldwide, headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1980, the company designs, develops, manufactures and markets digital imaging products and solutions, in addition to providing semiconductor products and services. www.dalsa.com

All trademarks are registered by their respective companies. DALSA reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Argus_connector800.jpg.