New x-ray system

2002/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Nanoteknologia

Using carbon nanotubes, a group of scientists from the University of North Carolina have managed to perform x-rays. The technique used is similar to that of conventional X-rays: high-energy electrons, in this case nanotubes, hit a metal plate, excite atoms and then X-rays come out.

According to the scientists who have developed the technique, the most remarkable advantage of the system is the possibility of performing X-rays at room temperature, without having to reach the 1,500 °C necessary for conventional radiographic machines. In addition, the resolution and duration of the images is greater.