Student learns X-ray technology from world experts

 

 

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

17 November 2003

 

Paul Miller, a Masters student in Canterbury University's Department of Physics and Astronomy, recently had the chance to learn more about cutting-edge X-ray technology at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.

Paul was the first Kiwi to attend a summer school at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, in Geneva, Switzerland.

While he was in Geneva Paul learnt more about CERN’s development of a new pixel detector called the Medipix2 chip. The detector has the potential to replace conventional X-ray devices by improving the speed and quality of imaging. The Medipix2 chip is also safer than X-rays used today, because it reduces the radiation doses needed to produce a high quality X-ray image.

He learned about the new device by working with a team of engineers and physicists at CERN who are developing the technology for commercial production.

 

"The technology is almost there now. It is just about developing a market and making it affordable."

The pixel detector could eventually be used in the many ways that conventional X-rays are now used; for example, in airport security and medicine. 'It could prove to be a really useful tool,' Paul said.

Others could soon be able to follow in Paul’s footsteps thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding recently agreed between the New Zealand Government and CERN.
The memorandum opens up the possibility for formal CERN projects and related training such as participation in the CERN Summer Student Programme, access to the CERN Scientific Associates Programme and training visits within specific projects.

Academics from Canterbury are already involved in CERN’s Pixels Project. CERN is building a new accelerator which will fire extremely energetic protons at one another. Around 150 million individual detectors, each about the size of a pixel, have to surround the pencil beam of protons at the collision point.

Teams at Canterbury and Auckland universities are working with CERN physicist Dr Alick Macpherson to help build the innermost detector. The Canterbury team includes Professor Phil Butler, Dr Lou Reinisch, Dr Simon Brown and Dr Michael Albrow (Physics and Astronomy) and Associate Professor Phil Bones (Electrical and Computer Engineering).

 

For more information contact:

 

Deborah Parker

Communuications Manager

University of Canterbury

Christchurch

Ph 03 364 2910

Email deb.parker@canterbury.ac.nz