Advanced X-Ray imaging for identification of contraband, corrosion or cancer
8 Jan 2013
Manchester University has developed a camera that can be used to take 3D colour X-ray images, in near real-time, without the need for a synchrotron X-ray source.
The X-Ray system developed by Professor Robert Cernik can identify chemicals and compounds such as cocaine, semtex, precious metals or radioactive materials even when they’re contained inside a relatively large object like a suitcase.
In healthcare, the system can be used to detect abnormal tissue types from biopsy samples. In geophysical exploration it could be used to quickly analyse the content of core samples taken from bore holes.
The fact that we can now use this technology in a laboratory setting is a substantial step forward.
In a recent experiment the team used the technology to X-ray a USB dongle that controls webcams.
They were able to identify the different elements and components inside the dongle by analysing the energy sensitive radiographs and fluorescence patterns.
The elements or components were highlighted in different colours to clearly identify them to the system operators. In this case the X-ray showed bromine, barium, silver, tin and zirconium.
Professor Cernik said: “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.
“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.”
As well as providing more information about the object being X-rayed, this new technique also decreases the time it takes to create a three dimensional image.
Rather than building up lots of separate images (mapping), the new system creates the image in one very simple scanning motion which now only takes several minutes.
This has implications for using the X-ray system for medical purposes, as Professor Cernik explained: “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 mis-diagnosis.”
