XPulse² - Innovative laser-generated X-ray medical imaging system

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide: almost 1 in 8 will be affected. It is therefore essential to constantly work on innovative technologies to improve screening and diagnosis at early stages. This is the aim of the XPulse collaborative project, which has entered a new phase, XPulse² in 2023, to continue the promising developments initiated since 2019.

Logo Xpulse

A new phase towards clinical trials

XPulse enters a second phase to continue the promising developments achieved from 2019 to 2023. The project involves developing an innovative 3D phase-contrast medical imaging system using X-rays generated by intense lasers, for application in the early detection of breast cancer. This system should enable early detection and reliable diagnosis of breast cancer, while reducing the radiation doses received by patients.

Supported by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and FEDER, the XPulse² project is coordinated by ALPhANOV in collaboration with the Bergonié Institute, Amplitude Laser, Imagine Optic and the CELIA Laboratory.

"After a fruitful first phase, the CNRS, through the CELIA laboratory, is continuing its close collaboration with the XPulse project partners in its second phase. Building on the expertise acquired during the initial phase, it has enabled us to validate and develop numerous scientific and technological building blocks." - Fabien DORCHIES, Scientific Manager of the XPulse project at CELIA

 

The project partners are developing an innovative phase contrast mammography imaging solution combining improved image quality, low dose and patient comfort. They are carrying out a major R&D program focusing on the following themes:

  • Exploitation of new generation laser sources,
  • Development of an X-ray laser conversion system to generate a high-brightness microfocus X-ray source,
  • Development of a tomography device by integrating the laser plasma X-ray source,
  • Achieving phase contrast imaging using an innovative technology sensitive to wavefront phase shift.

 

"Imagine Optics is working closely with ALPhANOV to integrate its algorithms into image processing software that will be delivered with the final prototype. Multimodal X-ray imaging (absorption, phase, scattering) is a fast-growing, state-of-the-art field that greatly enhances absorption-only imaging." - Martin PIPONNIER, Dr, R&D Engineer X-EUV Metrology Imagine Optic

 

A 3D breast imager prototype

 

Prototype XPulse

 

The first prototype is currently installed at the Institut de Bio-imagerie (IBIO), on the CHU de Pellegrin site. The system's performance was validated in the absoption and phase contrast regimes, using a commercial microfocus source (not suitable for clinical use, since its low power imposes longer exposure time).

To adress this challenge, ALPhANOV and the CELIA laboratory are working on the development of a robust, compact X-ray laser source, to be integrated into the existing prototype by 2026.

 

A new technology for laser-generated X-ray sourcesproto + XPLS

This ultrashort pulsed X-ray source is suitable for scientific, medical and industrial applications. It is designed to be compact, robust and low-maintenance. This solution enables high-resolution imaging experiments in the absorption and phase contrast regime and/or ultrafast time-resolved measurements. It brings the power of large-scale X-ray facilities into the laboratory.

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

 

 

Project starting date: January, 2023