3D X-ray Light-Field: low-dose X-ray imaging with X-ray wavefront sensors

Project Information

3DX-LIGHT

Grant agreement ID: 851956

DOI

10.3030/851956

Project closed

EC signature date 29 April 2019

Start date 1 September 2019

End date 30 June 2021

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)

Total cost

€ 100 000,00

EU contribution

€ 100 000,00

Coordinated by

IMAGINE OPTIC SA
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 3DX-LIGHT (3D X-ray Light-Field: low-dose X-ray imaging with X-ray wavefront sensors)

Reporting period: 2019-09-01 to 2021-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Imagine Optic developed three families of X-ray imaging systems based on X-ray wavefront sensors: the sensor itself (3 products), the phase imaging systems (2 prototypes) and the plenoptic cameras (2 demonstrators). Each system has its own characteristics, operating points and thus targets different communities. The first objective of 3DX-LIGHT consists in supporting Imagine Optic getting over the gap from research prototypes to the pre-commercial products. The second objective was to structure the Imagine Optic activities related to X-ray imaging with wavefront sensors. And the final objective was to establish a first version of a business plan on X-ray imaging using wavefront sensors.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Within 3DX-LIGHT and for each prototype / demonstrator, we defined its own market, potential clients and advanced applications in order to fine tune the final product characteristics to the identified needs of the end-users. We studied all the existing patents and performed a technical analysis of each system.
Thanks to all the information gathered during the 3DX-LIGHT project, we were able to establish a first business plan on X-ray imaging systems using wavefront sensors. This work allowed to identify key markets and to define and quantify related activities to be performed toward exploitation of our technology. It established a structured foundation of the Imagine Optic X-ray activities for the next 5 to 10 years. It has also shown the importance of maturing our products and therefore our business plan. New products have been presented on Imagine Optic's website and in peer-reviewed articles published by our end-users.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The 1st societal benefit of the imaging systems analyzed within 3DX-LIGHT is to open new paradigm in 3D X-ray imaging that in turn will lead to many discoveries on areas that traditionally have strong societal impacts. For example, the systems can be used to detect contaminants in food, to analyze fragile objects from cultural heritage, or to perform bio-medical studies.
The 2nd societal benefit is that the X-ray light-field cameras will enable low dose medical imaging. The first prototypes target biological imaging. In the future, we plan to try to upshift the photon energy of the system to reach the medical energy range.
Finally, the work performed during the project showed a market interest in these innovative imaging systems. It resulted in the establishment of a first business plan that illustrates the real potential of the creation of a subsidiary of Imagine Optic. It will result in the creation of several jobs within the next 5 years.

Reconstruction from a tomographic acquisition obtained with the phase-imaging system