A new generation of space X-ray imagers that could help fight cancer

X-ray imaging is an essential tool for a wide range of disciplines, from astrophysics to material science. Whilst the majority of applications rely on film, phosphor storage screens or other analogue integrating formats, the future development of this field lies in the exploitation of spatially resolved spectroscopy. Commercially available systems generally utilise secondary detection media, such as phosphor plates or scintillator conversion layers. do not lend themselves easily to advanced techniques employing differential absorbtiometry.