Nanocluster Glass Scintillators Enabling Sub-3-Micrometer Resolution and 3D Conformal X-ray Imaging

Low-temperature, solution-processable materials are promising for X-ray scintillation, yet existing platforms typically force trade-offs between spatial resolution, efficiency, and stability. Here, we synthesize hybrid cubane nanocluster glasses (NCGs) to investigate the scintillation mechanisms of these zero-dimensional quantum materials. We uncover a cluster-centered scintillation mechanism that decouples light yield from photoluminescence quantum yield. This kinetic decoupling indicates that photoluminescence and radioluminescence operate via spatially distinct pathways; ionizing radiation is predominantly absorbed by the heavy copper and iodine atoms, triggering a direct-core excitation that facilitates efficient, ligand-independent emission. Using a melt-quench process, we fabricate large-area NCG scintillators with ultrasmooth surfaces, achieving sub-3-μm spatial resolution (203 lp/mm) and high efficiency, even in aqueous environments. Furthermore, the moldability of NCGs enables free-standing, 3D conformal scintillators that significantly outperform planar counterparts in imaging nonplanar objects. These results highlight melt-quenched NCGs as commercially viable, stable scintillators for low-dose 3D medical imaging and high-precision industrial inspection.