Powerful 3D colour X-rays for health, security and geophysical use
Scientists have developed a camera that can be used to take powerful three-dimensional (3D) colour X-ray images. This could radically improve security screening at airports, medical imaging, aircraft maintenance, industrial inspection and geophysical exploration. Developed by Professor Robert Cernik and colleagues from the School of Materials at the University of Manchester, the X-rays can be produced in near real-time, without the need for a synchrotron X-ray source. They can identify chemicals and compounds such as Semtex, precious metals or radioactive materials. They could also assist in health care, by detecting abnormal tissue types in biopsy samples. In geophysical exploration, they could be used to quickly analyse the content of core samples taken from bore holes. The results of the tests have been published in the journal Analyst. Professor Robert Cernik says, 'The fact that we can now use this technology in a laboratory setting is a substantial step forward. When we first developed the idea five years ago, we needed the power of a synchrotron to produce the X-rays. In addition we only had access to silicon-based detectors. This is a problem because silicon is a light atom and will not stop the high energy X-rays that come through large objects. Now we can achieve the same imaging results with an 80 x 80 pixel camera (made from cadmium zinc telluride) that supports real-time hyperspectral X-ray imaging up to very high energies.' He continues: 'Current imaging systems, such as spiral CAT scanners, do not use all the information contained in the X-ray beam. We can use all the wavelengths present to give a colour X-ray image in a number of different imaging geometries. This method is often called hyperspectral imaging, because it gives extra information about the material structure at each voxel (3D equivalent of a pixel) of the 3D image. This extra information can be used to fingerprint the material present at each point in a 3D image.' This new technique also decreases the time it takes to create a 3D image, which previously built up lots of separate images (mapping). However, with the new system, the image is created in one very simple scanning motion, which takes several minutes. This has implications for using the X-ray system for medical purposes, as Professor Cernik explains: 'The fact the image can be taken at the same time as using more conventional methods and on the same timescale, means more information can be gathered from biopsy samples. This will more accurately differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue types reducing misdiagnosis.' Professor Cernik is now seeking industrial partners for collaborative projects to refine the X-ray technology for each specific application: security, aerospace and medical imaging. The team is also close to creating the first colour computed tomography (CT) scanner, which could dramatically improve diagnoses for a range of conditions, or tighten security at airports.For more information, please visit: The University of Manchester http://www.manchester.ac.uk/
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