Camera takes 3D colour X-ray photographs in near real time

It is claimed that the X-ray system, developed by Prof Robert Cernik and colleagues from the university’s School of Materials, can identify chemicals and compounds such as cocaine, semtex, precious metals or radioactive materials, even when concealed in large objects.

The method could also be extended to detect strain in fabricated components such as aircraft wings and it can be used to image corrosion processes and chemical changes.  

In healthcare, the system can be used to detect abnormal tissue types from biopsy samples, while it could be employed in geophysical exploration to analyse the content of core samples taken from bore holes.

In a recent experiment, the team used the technology to X-ray a USB dongle that controls webcams. The team was able to identify the different elements and components inside the dongle by analysing the energy-sensitive radiographs and fluorescence patterns.

The elements or components — bromine, barium, silver, tin and zirconium — were highlighted in different colours to identify them to the system operators. The results of the tests have been published in the journal Analyst.