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laser-generated beams
In collaboration with world-renowned groups from TUM, LMU, and HZM, we aim at demonstrating the usability and utility of our laser-driven particle and X-ray sources for cost-effective particle therapy of cancer and improved imaging techniques for early medical diagnosis and structure determination of small biological samples.
Proof-of-concept experiments towards laser-based particle theraphy are being pursued in collaboration with M. Molls and F. Nüsslin and colleagues (Klinik für Strahlentheraphie, TUM) and draw on our laser-driven proton/ion source being gradually scaled to ever higher energies, ultimately reaching the clinically relevant range of 200-250 MeV/proton and ∼400 MeV/nucleon in ion beams. We shall start experiments on small biological samples and increase the sample size with increasing particle energies becoming available.
Simultaneously, we pursue studies demonstrating the utility of brilliant X-ray sources for improved medical imaging, in collaboration with M. Reiser and coworkers (Institut für Klinische Radiologie der LMU), Ch. Hoeschen (Heltmholtz Zentrum München) and for improved biological imaging in collaboration with F. Parak (TUM), F. Pfeiffer (TUM), and J. Hajdu (Univ. Uppsala) and their colleagues. Compact, brilliant monoenergetic X-ray sources offer the potential for revolutionizing medical as well as biological imaging. Before laser-driven X-ray free-electron lasers become available in the 5-25 keV photon energy range, we shall pursue demonstration experiments with brilliant X-rays at successively higher photen energies from our laser-driven undulator source and our Thomson source. Both phase-contrast imaging and absorption imaging with monoenergetic X-rays (including imaging at two different energies) afford promise for substantially improved contrast and resolution at reduced dose levels. Whilst the former approach is more revolutionary, the charm of the latter lies in its immediate applicability to existing clinical instrumention. Success of the envisioned proof-of-concept studies may indicate the dawn of a new era in medical imaging.

contact: D. Habslink to external webpage, F. Grünerlink to the personal page of Florian Grüner, J. Schreiberlink to the personal page of Jörg Schreiber, Franz Pfeifferlink to external webpage
Fig. 1. Comparison of projection image of human breast recorded with Mammomat 3000 (Siemens Healthcare) with a phase-contrast image taken with collimated monoenergetic X-ray at the European Synchrotron Research Facility (ESRF) in the framework of a MAP-ESRF collaboration (courtesy of P. Coan, A. Brawin, D. Habs, M. Reiser). The tumour remains hidden in the conventional image but is brought to light by the phase-contrast technique. Proof-of-principle phase-contrast X-ray imaging experiments will be performed with laser-generated collimated, narrow-band multi-keV X-rays at LAP as soon as they become available from the undulator or the Thomson source.
Fig. 1. Comparison of projection image of human breast recorded with Mammomat 3000 (Siemens Healthcare) with a phase-contrast image taken with collimated monoenergetic X-ray at the European Synchrotron Research Facility (ESRF) in the framework of a MAP-ESRF collaboration (courtesy of P. Coan, A. Brawin, D. Habs, M. Reiser). The tumour remains hidden in the conventional image but is brought to light by the phase-contrast technique. Proof-of-principle phase-contrast X-ray imaging experiments will be performed with laser-generated collimated, narrow-band multi-keV X-rays at LAP as soon as they become available from the undulator or the Thomson source.