Smart*Light (Q4302635): Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 09:09, 17 June 2022
Project Q4302635 in Belgium, Netherlands
Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
---|---|---|---|
English | Smart*Light |
Project Q4302635 in Belgium, Netherlands |
Statements
2,850,000.0 Euro
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5,700,000.0 Euro
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50.0 percent
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1 January 2018
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31 December 2022
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Technische Universiteit Delft
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Medical institutions and industrial laboratories frequently use classical 'low intensity' X-rays for daily use, such as screening for breast cancer and inspection of welds in pipelines. However, high-intensity X-rays are indispensable for more advanced applications on high-tech materials and new medicines. This 'new' radiation is produced in synchrotrons: large accelerators in which electrons move in a kilometer-long tube at near light speed. With this synchrotron radiation, changes in materials and fabrics can be followed in detail in time and space. However, such facilities are large, expensive and scarce. The closest are in Hamburg, Villigen and Grenoble, far outside the Benelux. Based on brand new particle accelerator and laser technology, a relatively inexpensive and compact X-ray source is within reach, which also has the same intensity and can be installed at any desired location: a 'table model synchrotron'. The core of ‘Smart*Light’ consists of research into the construction of such a compact and mobile source of X-rays that can be used for on-site study tests. This new technology is based on 'Inverse Compton Scattering': radiation is produced from a collision between laser light and very fast electrons. The research focuses on how a prototype X-ray source can be physically realized in a lab environment and how the intensity of the beam can be optimized. The availability of such a device will be able to accelerate all kinds of innovation in various sectors, such as medical and life sciences, high-tech industry, aircraft, car and shipbuilding. Given the wide variety of fields in which X-ray analysis plays a central role, ‘Smart*Light’ will allow a wide range of applications to take place. For example, different tissue types will be characterized by Erasmus MC and Agfa for the medical and life sciences. A first study will focus on osteoarthritis. This is the most common joint disease in the elderly where bone and cartilage are affected. The current X-ray techniques are not well able to display both bone and cartilage together. Thanks to ‘Smart*Light’, that is probably possible. A second application focuses on the characterization of atherosclerotic plaque (or arteriosclerosis) in which not only the calcium, but also fat and connective tissue are well distinguished. There are increasing indications that a certain composition of the tissues in the plaque can lead to the rupture of the vascular wall, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. With the device, arteriosclerosis can be better predicted and prevented in the long term and the first steps can be taken towards the use of the measuring system in a clinical setting. In addition to the medical and life sciences, ‘Smart*Light’ will work towards completely different, but also highly relevant and interesting applications. An example of this would be shipbuilding, where fatigue and corrosion of materials can be detected early. Heritage preservation is another area in which, thanks to the synchrotron, the chemical and physical condition of top works from museums Boijmans and KMSKA such as Rubens, Vermeer, Bosch and Rembrandt will be mapped. ‘Smart*Light’ offers a non-destructive methodology in 3D that previously required invasive, sample-based research. Individual pigments will be investigated, with specific attention being paid to possible effects due to climate conditions, light and X-rays. (English)
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