Miniaturized X-ray Source
The aim of the project is to develop a miniaturized x-ray source for minimally invasive medical treatments, specifically, radiotherapy for cancer treatment (brachytherapy).
The miniature x-ray source will be inserted into the human body at the tumor sites, with the help from a catheter (see schematic picture below), delivering precision and local radiation therapy of the target tumor sites. The idea is to replace the conventional pin-shaped natural nuclide source with miniaturized and electronically controllable x-ray source, thus achieving least invasion to patients and health risks to hospital staff.
We have tested different materials and structures to make the miniature x-ray source, for example, Si field emitter arrays (see SEM images below).
