Pioneering 3D X-ray Centre Backed with ￡81 million

摘要

STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory(RAL)is developing a new advanced imaging centre that will house UK designed super-bright lasers capable of producing 3D X-rays in just 40 seconds.The UK Government funded ￡81 million Extreme Photonic Applications Centre(EPAC)opening in 2024,is expected to boost the high value manufacturing sector in the UK by expanding understanding of a range of challenges across pharmaceuticals,aerospace,batteries for electric vehicles or even artificial organs-bringing down the cost of manufacturing and identifying design improvements.When developing new treatments for example,high resolution 3D imaging of a diseased bone with existing technology can take hours or days compared to seconds that could be achieved the new systems.EPAC will rely on laser technology developed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council's(STFC)world-leading Central Laser Facility at RAL,which ranges from advanced compact tuneable lasers able to pinpoint individual particles to high power lasers that recreate the conditions inside stars.