A new imaging technology based on Compton X-ray scattering

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel Compton X-ray scattering imaging detector using xenon gas, capable of high photon rates and enabling 3D imaging of tiny cells with nanometer resolution in a practical timeframe.

Contribution

The paper presents a new detector design based on xenon gas and electroluminescence, achieving high photon processing rates and enabling detailed 3D cellular imaging.

Findings

Can process photon rates up to 10^11 ph/s

Allows 3D imaging of 5 μm cells in about 24 hours

Achieves a resolution of 36 nm

Abstract

We describe a feasible implementation of a novel X-ray detector for highly energetic x-ray photons with a large solid angle coverage, optimal for the detection of Compton x-ray scattered photons. The device consists of a 20~cm-thick sensitive volume filled with xenon at atmospheric pressure. When the Compton-scattered photons interact with the xenon, the released photoelectrons create clouds of secondary ionization, which are imaged using the electroluminescence produced in a custom-made multi-hole acrylic structure. Photon-by-photon counting can be achieved by processing the resulting image, taken in a continuous readout mode. Based on Geant4 simulations, by considering a realistic detector design and response, we show that photon rates up to at least $10^{11}$ ph/s on-sample ($5~{\mu}$m water-equivalent cell) can be processed, limited by the spatial diffusion of the photoelectrons in the gas. Illustratively, if making use of the Rose criterion and assuming the dose partitioning theorem, we show how such a detector would allow obtaining 3d images of $5~{\mu}$m-size unstained cells in their native environment in about 24~h, with a resolution of 36~nm.