High-resolution X-ray luminescence extension imaging
- Journal:
- Nature
- Published:
- DOI:
- 10.1038/s41586-021-03251-6
- Affiliations:
- 7
- Authors:
- 16
Research Highlight
Imaging curved objects using X-rays
© Phil Fisk/Image Source/Getty Images
A flexible X-ray detector can realize the long-desired goal in X-ray imaging of producing high-resolution images of curved objects.
From medical imaging to airport security, X-rays are routinely used to obtain images of objects. But while the current technology is good at producing images of flat objects, the rigid, flat-panel detectors it employs make it difficult to generate high-resolution images of curved three-dimensional objects.
Now, a team led by researchers at the National University of Singapore has overcome this limitation by embedding special X-ray-absorbing nanoparticles in a flexible silicone rubber film. After trapping X-rays, the nanoparticles emit visible light for more than a month. This light can be used to obtain an high-resolution image of a curved object.
The researchers anticipate that their technique will find use in medical radiography, high-energy physics and therapies that are guided by imaging.
References
- Nature 590, 410–415 (2021). doi: 10.1038/s41586-021-03251-6