High-speed material specific X-ray imaging

Material specific imaging for security screening places significant technical and socioeconomic demands upon contemporary analytical approaches. Conventional X-ray diffraction techniques, while possessing the required high specificity and sensitivity in a lab environment, are totally unsuitable for the high-speed inspection of extended objects. In response to this problem we propose to combine two disruptive technologies namely; focal construct geometry (FCG) X-ray diffraction and pixelated energy resolving sensing. This integrated approach is conceived to realise ‘real-time’, tuneable detection capability. X-ray diffraction identifies materials from their atomic spacing (not ‘average’ atomic number and density like current scanners). Therefore, the project aim is to develop detection principles and techniques that are applicable to a wide range of contraband including explosives/precursors, narcotics, alcohol, fruit, ivory, hardwoods. The work will also address the issue of identifying contraband within cluttered luggage or packages, without manual searches or handling the items.

The project will provide an original contribution to knowledge at a number of different levels in terms of X-ray collection methods, processing and analysis. The experiment work will employ the state-of-the-art X-ray facilities contained within the Rosalind Franklin Superlab at Nottingham Trent University. In addition, work will also be undertaken at collaborating institutions including government labs, industry and other research intensive universities. This exciting multidisciplinary project would suit a highly motivated individual interested in X-ray physics/sensing/imaging, computational imaging, signal analysis/PCA, modelling/maths and simulation and or material science.

The successful candidate will benefit from being part of a highly experienced team headed by Professor Paul Evans, winner of the THE 2016 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology. Also, his team’s track record of innovation in the field of X-ray security imaging has been recognised by the award of a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for World Class Research in 2016, which is the highest honour a UK University can receive. This project has attracted around £5 million research funding from UK and US governments over recent years. The group produces 4* journal papers and significant Patents and intellectual property. Examples of recent high quality publications (top 5% of subject category) can be downloaded from the Optics Express website at http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ (by entering a search under “annular x-ray”).

Entry requirements
A minimum of a first class or upper second class UK BSc (Hons) degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) in disciplines relating to Physics or Engineering is essential.