Project description
An ultrafast X-ray microscope for probing the nanoworld in 3D
The EU-funded 3DX-FLASH project plans to develop an X-ray imaging microscope that can film processes in 3D, with a temporal resolution several orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art technologies. The new microscope will eliminate the need for sample rotation. It will obtain 3D sample information from a single X-ray flash by splitting it into nine angularly resolved beams that illuminate the sample simultaneously. When implemented at intense X-ray sources such as synchrotron light sources and X-ray free-electron lasers, it should allow the filming of natural processes with micrometre to nanometre spatial resolution and femtosecond temporal resolution. To demonstrate its potential, the project aims to study fundamental processes in cellulose fibres, a renewable biomaterial that holds great promise for replacing plastics.
Objective
I aim to develop an X-ray imaging technique capable of filming processes in 3D, with a temporal resolution several orders of magnitude faster than up-to-date 3D X-ray imaging techniques.
The unique penetration power of X-rays allows us to study systems in their native environment. This property has led to the development of X-ray microtomography (µCT). µCT acquires 3D information, which determines the functionality and mechanical properties of nature, by rotating a sample with respect to the X-ray source. µCT is a crucial tool for several scientific disciplines such as physics, biology, and chemistry.
Over the last decade, µCT has become a technique capable of not only recording 3D information but also filming dynamical processes. Several breakthroughs have made this possible: i) intense X-ray sources (synchrotron light sources), ii) efficient and fast X-ray detectors, and iii) fast 3D reconstruction algorithms. Despite all of these developments, the acquisition protocols remain unchanged, i.e. the sample is only rotated faster. This fast rotation introduces forces which may alter the studied dynamics and ultimately limit the achievable temporal resolution.
My project is to establish an X-ray microscope that avoids the sample rotation, obtaining 3D information from a single X-ray flash by splitting it into nine-angularly resolved beams which illuminate the sample simultaneously. This approach, when implemented at intense X-ray sources such as synchrotron light sources and X-ray free-electron lasers, will allow the filming of natural processes with micrometer to nanometer resolution and resolve dynamics from microseconds to femtoseconds. To demonstrate its capabilities, I will study fundamental processes in cellulose fibers, a renewable biomaterial, which can replace fossil-based materials, such as plastics. This technique will open up the possibility to film dynamics in 3D to answer questions coming from industry and natural sciences at rates not accessible today.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2020-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
22100 Lund
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.