A novel scintillating optical fibre array for cancer imaging and therapy. This project aims to realise a next-generation detector technology that delivers the first fully integrated solution to the X-ray imaging and dose measurement needs of cancer radiation therapy. It is planned that this will be achieved by optimising an experimental prototype device employing a scintillating optical fibre array to generate an optical signal that preserves a tissue-equivalent detector response. The acquired d ....A novel scintillating optical fibre array for cancer imaging and therapy. This project aims to realise a next-generation detector technology that delivers the first fully integrated solution to the X-ray imaging and dose measurement needs of cancer radiation therapy. It is planned that this will be achieved by optimising an experimental prototype device employing a scintillating optical fibre array to generate an optical signal that preserves a tissue-equivalent detector response. The acquired digital image can thus be used to simultaneously verify geometric accuracy (correct patient positioning) and dosimetric accuracy (correct dose distribution). This is not currently possible with existing X-ray detector technology and offers an improvement in treatment accuracy.Read moreRead less
In vivo Assessment of Radiation Dose from Inhalation of Radioactive Dust in the Mining and Milling of Radioactive Ores. The project will use a combination of in vivo gamma-ray spectrometry measurements and modelling to determine quantities of retained radioactive materials in mine workers exposed to long-lived radioactive dust and the radiation doses from those materials. These studies will provide better indications of dose in a range of mining environments. Current indirect dose estimation tec ....In vivo Assessment of Radiation Dose from Inhalation of Radioactive Dust in the Mining and Milling of Radioactive Ores. The project will use a combination of in vivo gamma-ray spectrometry measurements and modelling to determine quantities of retained radioactive materials in mine workers exposed to long-lived radioactive dust and the radiation doses from those materials. These studies will provide better indications of dose in a range of mining environments. Current indirect dose estimation techniques will be tested and improved. This benefits both industry and workers as it allows greater optimisation of work practices and greater confidence for workers and their communities about the real risks from radiation exposure. Our project will enhance the viability of the Australian mining industry.Read moreRead less
Imaging the invisible. This project aims to develop imaging technology to see and quantify objects normally invisible with X-rays. It will develop an X-ray imaging system that should provide orders of magnitude greater sensitivity to subtle changes in material composition than conventional radiography. It will devise quantitative image analysis tools for isolating specific materials of interest from complex multi-material samples, including low density components that often go undetected. Indust ....Imaging the invisible. This project aims to develop imaging technology to see and quantify objects normally invisible with X-rays. It will develop an X-ray imaging system that should provide orders of magnitude greater sensitivity to subtle changes in material composition than conventional radiography. It will devise quantitative image analysis tools for isolating specific materials of interest from complex multi-material samples, including low density components that often go undetected. Industries that could benefit significantly from this technology include airport security, the mining sector, agriculture, manufacturing quality control, and biomedical researchers studying anatomical form and function.Read moreRead less
Non-destructing X-ray testing. This project aims to improve imaging with X-rays, providing better image quality with higher throughput at a lower radiation dose. It will develop an X-ray imaging system that provides orders of magnitude greater sensitivity for detecting low-density objects that are often invisible with conventional X-ray scanners, and quantitative image analysis tools that can isolate materials from complex multi-material samples and detect individual chemical elements. Significa ....Non-destructing X-ray testing. This project aims to improve imaging with X-rays, providing better image quality with higher throughput at a lower radiation dose. It will develop an X-ray imaging system that provides orders of magnitude greater sensitivity for detecting low-density objects that are often invisible with conventional X-ray scanners, and quantitative image analysis tools that can isolate materials from complex multi-material samples and detect individual chemical elements. Significant benefits from these technologies are expected in industries including airport security, mining, agriculture, manufacturing quality control, and in research fields from medicine to geology.Read moreRead less
New high resolution radiation dose mapping of special type polymer-gel dosimeters using mini-MRI scanner of high (4.7 Tesla) magnetic field. Gel dosimeters main advantage is dose determination in 3-dimensions. Their main limitation is low spatial-resolution. We propose fabrication of special-type gels and for the first time use the 4.7 Tesla mini-scanner for dose mapping. Increased magnetic field combined with a small aperture for field dissipation will greatly improve spatial resolution down t ....New high resolution radiation dose mapping of special type polymer-gel dosimeters using mini-MRI scanner of high (4.7 Tesla) magnetic field. Gel dosimeters main advantage is dose determination in 3-dimensions. Their main limitation is low spatial-resolution. We propose fabrication of special-type gels and for the first time use the 4.7 Tesla mini-scanner for dose mapping. Increased magnetic field combined with a small aperture for field dissipation will greatly improve spatial resolution down to micrometers (micro-dosimetry). This new technique will render gel-dosimeters suitable for applications in radiotherapy, industrial and all other radiation fields. Moreover, we will employ new parameter for dose mapping, which is expected to be more sensitive to radiation than the currently used relaxation timesRead moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0454184
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$155,792.00
Summary
Silicon Imaging Device Construction Facility - Wirebonder. The development of state-of-the-art, high precision semiconductor imaging devices (for high energy particle physics, synchrotron science and medical imaging ) requires a significant capability in modern assembly facilities. In constructing test and 'production' modules consisting of fine-grained, multi-channel bare silicon or other semiconductor imaging devices and custom electronic chips, a high-reliability, highly flexible wire-bonding ....Silicon Imaging Device Construction Facility - Wirebonder. The development of state-of-the-art, high precision semiconductor imaging devices (for high energy particle physics, synchrotron science and medical imaging ) requires a significant capability in modern assembly facilities. In constructing test and 'production' modules consisting of fine-grained, multi-channel bare silicon or other semiconductor imaging devices and custom electronic chips, a high-reliability, highly flexible wire-bonding machine is an essential tool. The international reputation from success in several challenging projects under difficult conditions, gained by the Chief Investigators has resulted in several more projects being planned in addition to a foreseen program of device development. A modern wirebonder, to replace the existing 30 year-old machine, has become critical to maintain our leading position in this area.Read moreRead less
Advanced technologies for laser refractive surgery. People who wear glasses can now undergo laser eye-surgery to correct their focussing problems. While many can ?throw away their glasses?, the results are optimised for one viewing situation so that when people move their eyes or refocus, visual clarity is not perfect. We need precise measurements of the eye's shape under dynamic conditions to understand exactly how optical distortions (aberrations) affect clarity of sight. This project is to b ....Advanced technologies for laser refractive surgery. People who wear glasses can now undergo laser eye-surgery to correct their focussing problems. While many can ?throw away their glasses?, the results are optimised for one viewing situation so that when people move their eyes or refocus, visual clarity is not perfect. We need precise measurements of the eye's shape under dynamic conditions to understand exactly how optical distortions (aberrations) affect clarity of sight. This project is to build a laser device that incorporates a deformable mirror to investigate the interplay between aberrations and visual clarity. This new knowledge is a vital next step to improve laser eye-surgery success.Read moreRead less
Dynamic multi-modal x-ray imaging. This project aims to create sensitive new methods of x-ray imaging that capture multiple image modalities with a single snapshot. Conventional x-ray imaging is widely used in a range of industries, but captures only a fraction of the rich information that is available in the x-ray wavefield. This project expects to extract additional image modalities to reveal x-ray-transparent features, and detect microscopic textures. By combining these capabilities with the ....Dynamic multi-modal x-ray imaging. This project aims to create sensitive new methods of x-ray imaging that capture multiple image modalities with a single snapshot. Conventional x-ray imaging is widely used in a range of industries, but captures only a fraction of the rich information that is available in the x-ray wavefield. This project expects to extract additional image modalities to reveal x-ray-transparent features, and detect microscopic textures. By combining these capabilities with the ability to capture images of a moving sample, this project will enable innovative biomedical and materials research studies, and develop new imaging technologies for use in security, hospitals and manufacturing. New methods of x-ray imaging will have wide-ranging benefits for society, the economy and healthcare.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102571
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Visualising living airways: a new x-ray technique to assess Cystic Fibrosis treatments. The ability to non-invasively observe the body's inner functions at high magnification is critical in developing new medical treatments. This project will establish an x-ray technique capable of imaging subtle biological function at high magnification and apply this technique to assessing new treatments for airways affected by Cystic Fibrosis.