HEXITEC: Translation grant. The application of colour X-ray imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
X-ray colour imaging has the potential to visualise the physical and chemical nature of a specimen spatially resolved within a three dimensional density contrast image. X-ray colour imaging makes it possible to recognise, for example, whether complex manufactured components used in the aerospace industry are likely to fail through cracks or fatigue stress; or whether a suitcase contains illicit substances such as semtex or cocaine; or whether a biopsy sample contains normal or abnormal tissue. A full X-ray colour imaging system requires energy sensitive detectors that are divided into small discrete pixels and can stop high energy X-rays. In addition the scattered radiation from the sample often has to be very finely collimated because we are looking for very weak signals. Five years ago neither suitable detector material nor scatter control systems were available. The latter problem was addressed (by another EPSRC grant) but there was no reliable source of detector material anywhere in the world. The lack of technological expertise within the UK to produce suitable detector systems led to the formation of the HEXITEC consortium (High Energy X-ray Imaging Technology; www.hexitec.co.uk). HEXITEC has developed every stage of detector system manufacture and has very recently demonstrated its first 20 by 20 pixel prototype as a forerunner of a full 80 by 80 device that will be delivered early in 2010. We are now requesting funds to take the HEXITEC developed technology to the next stage of development in three work programmes covering four broad applications at different stages of development. Work package 1: Fluorescence tomography for materials imaging We will use the 80 by 80 pixel detector systems developed by HEXITEC for both purposes. Fluorescence tomography is based on a standard absorptive method where the sample is rotated in the beam and many sections are mathematically recombined to give a 3D image. The crucial difference here is that we will be able to do this in discreet energy ranges. We will obtain slices that can be energy selected in 800eV ranges or better. We will deliver a lab based system to produce element specific images. Work package 2: The appliaction of TEDDI to materails identificatication and security scanningThe TEDDI method uses scattered (not directly transmitted) X-rays which contain information on the crystal structure at each point within the sample. TEDDI uses multiple parallel collimators to obtain its spatial resolution and the sample does not need to be rotated in the same way as standard tomography. We will make a lab based TEDDI system to identify specific materials at each part of a complex sample on a 1x10-3 mm3 spatial scale. We will also work with our partners Kromek ltd who originally spun out of the Durham University Physics Department. They are developing scanners for threat identification at airports. We will jointly develop the TEDDI technology with HEXITEC detectors to recognise materials based on their coherent scattered signals. This is a much more reliable test than relying on purely absorptive information. In conjunction with existing methods the false alarm rate can be significantly reduced. Work package 3: Tissue BiopsyMany soft tissue types have very similar diffraction patterns especially those with a high water content, however certain types of breast cancers have been shown to be quite easily distinguishable from normal tissue by energy dispersive diffraction methods. We intend to develop, jointly with the Royal Surry and Marsden hospitals, an X-ray tissue biopsy modality. By using HEXITEC detector systems we will obtain unique information about specific tissue types that will significantly reduce the number of false positives. This is a vital aim because a false diagnosis leads to great deal of unnecessary discomfort and distress to the patient.
Planned Impact
X-ray tomography systems are widely used in hospitals, airports and engineering environments to provide three dimensional images for diagnosis, substance identification or to check the structural integrity of complex fabricated components. These tomographic images are formed by measuring transmitted X-rays at a variety of angles through the sample and mathematically reconstructing slices to render a full three dimensional density contrast image. However the structural information that is carried by the coherently scattered wavelengths (or colours) of X-rays is not utilised. This information is potentially very useful and can be used to identify materials located within a specific gauge volume (~10-3 mm3) of a much larger object. The scattered information is energy dispersed and contains crystallographic information such as lattice parameters (+ or - 0.005+), atomic positions (+ or - 0.08+) and degree of crystallinity (preferred orientation). This information can be used to identify the substance within the sampled gauge volume either analytically or by pattern recognition. The potential impact of this substance recognition capability is huge and has been recognised in the national press as outlined in the full impact plan. The main impact of this grant will be felt in three areas: Fluorescence tomography and Topographic Energy dispersive diffraction imaging: HEXITEC technology will allow fast analysis of structure and strain distributions as well as chemical contamination profiles within complex fabricated components. This will be especially useful for the evaluation of fail safe components used for aerospace applications. The impact here will be deliver an imaging modality that is not currently available anywhere in the world. Security scanners: HEXITEC technology will facilitate much faster and more reliable identification of explosive materials and recognise the signatures of other illicit substances. The number of false alarms can be significantly reduced by using optimised TEDDI systems in conjunction with existing security X-ray scanners. Tissue biopsy: HEXITEC technology will bring significant benefits to this area allowing identification of cancerous tissue which will optimise surgical procedures and steer post-operative radiological treatment. The number of false positives will drop saving patients from unnecessary, expensive and painful treatment. The general impact of the HEXITEC technology platform is even wider it is not possible to cover every aspect of that potential in one application. For example in oil and gas exploration one of the principal survey requirements is for real time analysis of core samples. Rapid identification of mineral and rock species will save rig time and deliver data for geo-steering and formation evaluation. Pharma companies have a continuing interest in the crystallisation of polymorphic forms as they critically affect the bioavailability of product. In the worst cases they can have a deleterious effect on the health of the patient. TEDDI methods can be used to study in-situ crystallisation as a function of growth parameters. This analysis is equally applicable to other applications in chemical engineering to study reactions deep within hidden recesses of stainless steel plant.
Organisations
Publications
Rakowski R
(2017)
Single-shot structural analysis by high-energy X-ray diffraction using an ultrashort all-optical source.
in Scientific reports
Egan CK
(2015)
3D chemical imaging in the laboratory by hyperspectral X-ray computed tomography.
in Scientific reports
Egan CK
(2014)
Dark-field hyperspectral X-ray imaging.
in Proceedings. Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Green FH
(2016)
Scatter free imaging for the improvement of breast cancer detection in mammography.
in Physics in medicine and biology
Egan C
(2014)
Material specific X-ray imaging using an energy-dispersive pixel detector
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Judson D
(2011)
Compton imaging with the PorGamRays spectrometer
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Wilson M
(2011)
Small pixel CZT detector for hard X-ray spectroscopy
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Seller P
(2012)
Noise distribution of a peak track and hold circuit
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Nakhostin M
(2013)
Application of pulse-shape discrimination to coplanar CdZnTe detectors
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Description | On the HEXITEC translation grant we have discovered the following: • We can reconstruct diffraction data to form real CT 3D images that contain crystallographic/structure information at each point • This imaging can be carried out in the laboratory, not just on synchrotrons • We can image amorphous materials using PDF reconstruction a well as 'standard' diffraction • We can use bright field and dark field cases to provide 3D images, this means we can operate the system quite rapidly • We can distinguish individual atomic elements in the CT image • We can identify pathological and healthy tissues • We can identify contraband in containers • We can trace radioactive materials • We can use very fast PCA methods to extract essential components from an object such as a specific element. |
Exploitation Route | There are alraedy sales of detectors via STFC and quantum detectors Ltd Specrtal-X ltd has been spun out of UoM to design systems for security and medical biospy imaging. These are at earlky stages of development |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Construction,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
URL | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_energy_X-ray_imaging_technology |
Description | To design and build the HEXITEC detector which is currently being licensed to Quantum detectors Ltd Spectral-X Ltd has contacted a number of major European security system manufactures and is designing next generation security systems with integrated chemical sensitivity for explosives detection A number of HEXITEC research staff now work for Redlen technologies who are planning to build energy sensitive spectroscopy grade CZT detectors. |
First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Description | Leverhulme Research Grant |
Amount | £247,737 (GBP) |
Funding ID | RGP-2014-123 |
Organisation | The Leverhulme Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2014 |
End | 08/2017 |
Title | A DISPERSIVE DIFFRACTION PROJECTION IMAGING SYSTEM |
Description | One embodiment of the invention provides a dispersive diffraction projection imaging system for imaging a sample using X-rays or gamma rays. The system comprises a hyperspectral imaging detector (6) comprising a two-dimensional array of energy-sensitive pixels and a pinhole aperture (15) located between the sample (3) and the hyperspectral imaging detector (6) for producing an inverted image of the sample on the array of the pixels. The system further includes means (1) for producing a high energy radiation beam (2) for illuminating the sample (3) to be imaged or analysed. The high energy radiation beam (2) comprises X-rays or gamma rays and may have a letterbox shape cross-section having a long axis and a short axis so as to illuminate a slice (8) through the sample (3). One axis of the image formed on the pixel array suitably corresponds to the long axis of the letterbox cross-section, and the other axis of the image formed on the pixel array corresponds to distance into the sample of the high energy radiation beam. In an alternative embodiment, a thin sample is placed face-on to the beam, and is imaged/analysed all at once by the detector. More particularly, the imaging system can perform imaging by computerised tomography or fluorescence. |
IP Reference | WO2014045045 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | This will revolutionize tomography giving the ability to regognise sample and tissue types |
Title | HEXTITEC detector |
Description | The STFC Particle Physics Department New Detector Initiatives group brings together specialists in a cross-disciplinary group to investigate the Knowledge Exchange and Intellectual Property opportunities for our world-leading technology, to address the grand challenges of the STFC Futures programme, and to provide the skills and facilities needed to create the international projects of the future. In this case the HECTIC technology is being employed for astronomy. |
Type Of Technology | Detection Devices |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Impact | Too soon to say |
URL | https://www.ppd.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/New-Detector-Initiatives.aspx |
Company Name | Spectral-X Ltd. |
Description | The company has developed X-ray imaging technology for security, medical and non-destructive testing application. |
Year Established | 2014 |
Impact | Currently making strategic partnership to develop colour X-ray imaging Patent pending on technology |
Website | http://www.192.com/atoz/business/wirral-ch47/sc/spectral-x-ltd/967bb975284637fa2c85bcdd110b56b6c4597... |
Description | Article in Photonics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Increased awareness Not mesured |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.photonics.com/Article.aspx?AID=52725 |
Description | Press release |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Increased interest Eight ebquiries from companies interested in exploiting the technology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/article/?id=9317 |
Description | Public lecture Liverpool 08 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Lively interest from the audience School visits, two undergrads resulted Several newspaper articles |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | The Engineer web site |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Incresed awareness in engineering Not measured |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.theengineer.co.uk/more-sectors/electronics/news/camera-takes-3d-colour-x-ray-photographs-... |