Carroll F. Tunable, monochromatic X-rays: an enabling technology for molecular/cellular imaging and therapy.
J Cell Biochem 2004;
90:502-8. [PMID:
14523984 DOI:
10.1002/jcb.10632]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Pulsed, tunable, monochromatic X-rays hold great potential as a cellular and molecular probe. These beams can be tuned to the binding energy of orbital electrons in atoms, making them extremely useful in diagnostic k-edge imaging and Auger cascade radiotherapy. Their wide tunability makes them ideal for the performance of various techniques as disparate as protein crystallography and three-dimensional, compressionless, monochromatic mammography. Since only the frequency best suited to the task at hand is used, radiation exposure to patients or animals is exceedingly low when compared to standard X-ray techniques.
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