Sistema Multi-modal de Imagiologia de raios-X Espetral para aplicação Pré-clínica

'== General Objectives == This project aims to develop a Spectral X-ray Imaging system with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, taking advantage of MicroPatterned Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) distinctive properties to provide true spectral images. This R&D challenge is pioneering which confers a unique innovative nature to this project. Therefore, a multi-modality spectral imaging system, low-cost, and portable will be developed using ceramic gaseous detectors for full-body small-animal imaging, which includes: > design and develop the ceramic detector with adequate active area, energy resolution (ER), spatial resolution (SR), granularity, count rate and stability > implement the imaging system, mechanically aligned and able to provide adequate sensitivity, SR and ER = Specific Objectives = To achieve the main goal, it is intended to: 1. Develop a portable detection system prototype with a limiting SR of 100 micron, ER ~ 7% (FWHM at 35keV) and detection efficiency ~50% for 35keV. Besides biomedical imaging, it can find applications in other fields, such as surgical specimens imaging, biology, anthropology or industry. 2. Develop an effective gas purification system to maintain gas purity (> 99%) along time without significant maintenance, to improve portability and reduce the costs 3. Develop a dedicated portable electronic system for detector bias and readout. This challenging step will allow portability 4. Develop a robust mechanical system: to support the X-ray shielding camera; and to provide sample motion with precision below the mm scale (granting artifacts-free images) 5. Develop an integrated user-friendly software to: control the operation conditions and data acquisition of/from the system; analyse data and reconstruct images; explore and analyse spectral and morphological information 6. Deepen spectral imaging knowledge: data interpretation is a strong innovative point, which requires a deep understanding of the physical processes. Combine different types of information to show, e.g., composition superimposed to the structure 7. Deepen the knowledge of physics, electronics and instrumentation associated with gaseous detectors, radiation physics and imaging, through simulations and experimental work.