Recently, there have been major breakthroughs in X-ray fluorescence imaging for biomedical applications. In cooperation with Audi Hungaria, Hungary, a University of Hamburg team will expand the innovative method to include questions in nondestructive materials testing-another example of research-driven technology exchange.
So far, X-ray fluorescence imaging was mainly aimed at enabling new insight in biomedical research. Thanks to a scientific breakthrough labeled immune cells can now be tracked in real time. This is possible via X-rays that can excite radiocontrast agents to emit an X-ray echo-a process called X-ray fluorescence. By measuring X-ray fluorescence, scientists can precisely locate the cells.
X-ray fluorescence imaging uses scanning X-ray beams to effect X-ray echo emissions from so-called contrast agents. Contrast agents can also be applied in the production and testing of electric motors. This could allows us to investigate problems which could not be solved with previously established X-ray methods. Developing X-ray techniques which do not depend on the use of contrast agents is an even bigger challenge.
From medicine to materials testing
A team from the Institute of Experimental Physics at the University of Hamburg headed by Theresa Staufer Florian Grüner just succeeded in this. In cooperation with the automotive manufacturer Audi Hungaria, which will build the world’s largest e-motor production plant in Hungary, the new method is to be applied to 2 concrete questions in materials diagnostics. This would be a major success for both sides, as previous X-ray methods could not solve these specific problems.
The collaboration was sealed by a cooperation agreement including a pilot study. As the new method could help meet both challenges, a newly developed compact lab system funded by the Joachim Herz Foundation, among others, will be used for practical testing.
An examples of cooperative innovation
"Although basic physics research can develop new imaging techniques, thinking outside the box and collaboration with external partners is key to establish specific problems," says Theresa Staufer. "Otherwise, we might provide a solution for a nonexistent problem."
Two very specific practical challenges were just identified within the cooperation of the University of Hamburg’s cooperation with Audi Hungaria. "Gearing our basic solution concept to this specific problem can result in its application to a completely new area," says Florian Grüner. "This can help develop further new research ideas resulting in innovation through cooperation, which reflects the essence of the University’s mission statement."