MICROSCOPY WITH NEUTRON REFRACTIVE LENSES

Information

  • Research Project
  • 6310485
  • ApplicationId
    6310485
  • Core Project Number
    R43CA090172
  • Full Project Number
    1R43CA090172-01
  • Serial Number
    90172
  • FOA Number
  • Sub Project Id
  • Project Start Date
    2/15/2001 - 23 years ago
  • Project End Date
    1/31/2002 - 22 years ago
  • Program Officer Name
    SWAIN, AMY L
  • Budget Start Date
    2/15/2001 - 23 years ago
  • Budget End Date
    1/31/2002 - 22 years ago
  • Fiscal Year
    2001
  • Support Year
    1
  • Suffix
  • Award Notice Date
    2/14/2001 - 23 years ago
Organizations

MICROSCOPY WITH NEUTRON REFRACTIVE LENSES

DESCRIPTION (Applicant's abstract verbatim): The objective of this proposed research is to construct a prototype neutron microscope capable of imaging biological maternal. By using compound refractive lenses recently developed by Adelphi Technology microscopy is possible with imaging distances in the order of a few meters. Neutron microscopy can be a valuable complement and extension of already mature light, x-ray and electron imaging techniques. Unlike these other sources, neutron propagation in matter is defined by strong neutron-nucleus interaction. Neutrons can provide a means to probe into materials with a completely different "light" allowing visualization of objects otherwise concealed. Biological molecules are ideal for imaging with neutrons, as their hydrocarbon constituents would provide excellent image contrast. Thicker, unstained, unfixed, in vivo samples may be imaged with neutrons since they are less affected by absorption than other sources thus, reducing artifacts created by sample preparation. Also, achievable resolutions of neutron microscopy surpasses those attained with visible light and x-rays, down to few Angstroms making it possible to directly image viruses and genes. The potential for successful development of the prototype imaging system is very high because our preliminary experiment with compound refractive lenses has demonstrated thermal neutron collection and focusing. The research will proceed by optimizing the design of these lenses for imaging and, then, experimentally demonstrating image magnification of biological materials. Neutron microscope designs will include commercially available compact neutron sources for clinical and laboratory use. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: The development of neutron lens of short focal length would be truly revolutionary since such a lens could be utilized in a large number of applications related to imaging biological materials. Neutron microscopy will permit high-resolution, high-contrast imaging of soft tissue. Unlike x-ray imaging, which achieves contrast with high atomic number atoms, neutron imaging will give contrast with low atomic number materials.

IC Name
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
  • Activity
    R43
  • Administering IC
    CA
  • Application Type
    1
  • Direct Cost Amount
  • Indirect Cost Amount
  • Total Cost
    100000
  • Sub Project Total Cost
  • ARRA Funded
  • CFDA Code
    394
  • Ed Inst. Type
  • Funding ICs
    NCI:100000\
  • Funding Mechanism
  • Study Section
    ZRG1
  • Study Section Name
    Special Emphasis Panel
  • Organization Name
    ADELPHI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
  • Organization Department
  • Organization DUNS
    103403523
  • Organization City
    SAN CARLOS
  • Organization State
    CA
  • Organization Country
    UNITED STATES
  • Organization Zip Code
    94070
  • Organization District
    UNITED STATES