Design study for a compact laser-driven source for medical x-ray fluorescence imaging

Abstract

Thomson scattering sources with their hard x-ray pencil beams represent a promising candidate to drive high-resolution X-ray Fluorescence Imaging (XFI). As XFI is a scanning imaging modality, it specifically requires pencil-beam geometries along with a high beam mobility. In combination with laser-wakefield acceleration (LWFA) such sources could provide the compactness needed for a future transition into clinical application. A sufficient flux within a small bandwidth could enable in-vivo high-sensitivity XFI for early cancer diagnostics and pharmacokinetic imaging. We thus report on a specific all-laser driven source design directed at increasing the photon number within the bandwidth and opening angle defined by XFI conditions. Typical parameters of driver lasers and electron bunches from LWFA are utilized and controlled within realistic parameter regions on the basis of appropriate beam optics. An active plasma lens is implemented for chromatic focal control of the bunch. Source performance limits are identified and compared to existing x-ray sources with regard to their potential to be implemented in future clinical XFI.

Feasibility of Monitoring Tumor Response by Tracking Nanoparticle-Labelled T Cells Using X-ray Fluorescence Imaging—A Numerical Study

“…While offering quasi-monochromatic photon beams and a significantly increased photon flux in an affordable and compact size, they are often limited to lower energies [57]. To overcome these limits, our group also works on ultra-compact laser-driven Thomson X-ray sources [58], an approach envisaged for clinical use in the future.…”

X-ray Fluorescence Uptake Measurement of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Tumor Cell Microsamples

“…However, their access is limited, as they are typically overbooked. To overcome these limits, our group also works on ultra-compact laser-driven Thomson X-ray sources [ 29 ], an approach envisaged for clinical use in the future. If such compact X-ray sources become available, one could also imagine using XFI directly at a hospital on fine-needle biopsies taken from a tissue.…”

X-ray-Based Techniques to Study the Nano–Bio Interface

“…This XFI method, however, depends on the use of pencil X-ray beams with monochromatic spectra, as provided at synchrotron-based beamlines. Although one can perform basic research at such facilities, translation into clinical application needs ultracompact X-ray sources, such as laser-driven inverse Compton sources …”

“…Although one can perform basic research at such facilities, translation into clinical application needs ultracompact X-ray sources, such as laser-driven inverse Compton sources. 279 Finally, to go from images to movies, time-lapse in vivo recordings are at the borderline of what is possible today with existing synchrotron technology. As biodistributions are dynamic and the effects of drugs are described by their pharmacokinetics, such capabilities are tantalizing and widely anticipated.…”